Paula Speck

Artist

Paula Speck is an artist living in Wheaton, Maryland. She was formerly an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, professor of Latin American literature, and essayist. In 2005 Paula suffered a massive stroke, robbing her of most of her ability to read, write, and speak. To express herself she returned to a childhood love of drawing, overcoming right side paralysis and a tremor to work with her non-dominant hand. Without the ability to control instrument pressure, she relies on bold lines, color, and a juxtaposition of elements to compose her drawings. Paula’s work comprises surreal pastiches created over multiple days, and quick portraits drawn in just a few minutes. Initially working in pencil and charcoal, she now prefers the bright, clear lines of gel ink pens.

All images © Paula Speck