Paula Stern is a sculptor whose busts, groupings, and figures reflect her deep appreciation for structure and movement. Working primarily in clay and wax before casting in bronze or resin, Paula creates portraits of adults and children that often unfold in sequence, chronicling human lives like chapters of a biography. Inspired by the beauty and complexity of human physiognomy and relationships, she sees her work as more than visual objects: her sculptures are animated by nuance, history, and emotion. Paula has received commissions from business leaders, judges, journalists, and government officials, including a bronze bust of Nelson Mandela for Pinewood Preparatory School in South Carolina. Her work has also appeared in cultural institutions such as Shakespeare & Company Theater in Massachusetts, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and the U.S. State Department’s Art in Embassies program. Public recognition includes the People’s Choice Award from the Washington Project for the Arts/Corcoran, first prize at the All Media Art League juried show, and awards at the Washington Square Sculpture Show. “I shape sculptures of the human form that my mind’s eye sees,” says Paula. “The spirit behind my work is to honor creation.” That same desire to link form, history, and humanity gives her sculptures their vitality. “Life is filled with intersections, and I love to connect them. I love to connect people and I love to connect ideas.” Her work is held in private collections across the United States and abroad. She maintains studios in Washington, D.C. and Becket, Massachusetts, while frequently traveling to Maine to be near family. Listen to Paula’s full story on Radio Maine.