Welded Sculpture

In 1958, Paul was diligently studying Abstract Expressionism with Hans Hoffman, but was drawn in another direction by virtue of taking a class in bronze welding. With a welding torch in his hand, Paul gravitated toward decidedly geometric configurations. Primitive at first, they evolved into sophisticated wall sculptures that now hang in religious institutions, corporations and private collections. Paul was known for the intricate welds he used on the massive wall hangings he created. A thousand welds in a wall hanging wasn’t uncommon for him, and the result resembled crocheting in gold. Early on, Paul became interested in and influenced by the t’ao-t’ieh masks found on ancient Chinese bronzes. Mask motifs can be seen in many of Paul’s works.