Bio/Statement

Bio

Paul Jach has been working in the arts since 1998, when receiving his BFA in Illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. While there, he created event posters displayed at The Fillmore West and Warfield Auditorium for such artists as Fiona Apple, Blur and the John Spencer Blues Explosion. In 2001, Paul returned to the east coast and formed the art collective, Speakeasy Art. Paul curated pop-up exhibits featuring his work, along with other independent artists at alternate venues in NYC, Jersey City and Hoboken. In January of 2009, Paul opened Speakeasy Art Gallery located in Boonton, NJ, exhibiting work by established and emerging artists. The gallery has never stopped serving the community and artists and remains open to this day.

In 2010 Paul received an MA in studio art education with honors at Kean University. Shortly after, he began teaching art for Paterson Public Schools where he currently still serves. In 2012 Paul and his wife formed the non-profit, Boonton Arts, where he serves as vice-president. For their work with Boonton Arts and Speakeasy Art Gallery, Morris Arts awarded the couple the "Outstanding Professionals In The Arts Award" in 2013, and the Town of Boonton named them "Citizens Of The Year" in 2015.

Paul never stopped making art of his own, but since 2024, has been producing work more prolifically than ever before. Also, consistently showing his art, by participating in group, duo, and solo shows. Having the privilege of showing at long admired galleries throughout the country, such as La Luz De Jesus, Poetic Tiger Gallery, Brassworks Gallery and others. In recent years, he has developed a style all his own, juxtaposing wood carving with industrial metal elements. His pieces draw inspiration from universal folk lore, history, nature and his love of pop culture.

Statement

As a mixed media artist, I find inspiration in repurposing industrial elements and found objects into unique works of art. My pieces all have a sense of playfulness and experimentation. While transforming materials and developing techniques, I invite viewers to see these everyday elements in a new light.