Paula Lasky loved sunflowers. Her favorite painting she created depicts a singular sunflower at the peak of summer splendor. Paula was very much like that flower. She weathered a very difficult first half of her life, but came out on the other side with an unshakably sunny disposition. Just like those garden giants, she chose to search for the sun, instead of succumbing to darkness. Her ability to not just survive, but thrive was evident to all who knew Paula. Her hearty laugh, quick wit and kind heart won her many friends.

Paula was born in Salem, Ohio on March 22, 1963. At the age of 18, Paula was in a severe car accident caused by drunk driving that left her paralyzed. Paula did not discuss this part of her life often and claimed that she was a very withdrawn person at the time. This description of Paula is very different from how those who met her later in life would describe her personality. According to her, she came to life after moving to Columbus from her second hometown of Dayton. It was at this time that she first felt like she could be herself and found a community of people who genuinely loved her for the good-natured and sweet woman she was.

Paula was one of the first artists of Open Door Art Studio and helped to shape the program. The same words that she used to describe herself could be attributed to her art.  "Bright, happy, beautiful, awesome" and a little bit "odd" are adjectives that only begin to scratch the surface of Paula and her creations. Her most cohesive body of work was undoubtedly her flower paintings, but she also explored many other subjects, including animals and mythical creatures. She loved that her paintings and sculptures could bring out emotions in viewers and her favorite response was always a big smile. Paula gave this advice to a young artist with disabilities: "Just remember to keep drawing, drawing, practice, practice. All art is wonderful and art is whatever you want it to be."

Paula suffered from chronic pain during the latter years of her life and used her time at the studio as an escape from her medical situation. She died from complications from back surgery after a prolonged stay in the hospital on the evening of November 26, 2012. She was only 49 years old. Her passing was a shock to those who loved her, including her close friends and fellow artists.

Paula was a multifaceted artist and woman. She loved classic rock as much as a Salvador Dali painting. Her deep laugh sprung forth from hard-fought pains. The painting of the sunflower described earlier was acquired for the permanent collection of the St. Ann's Wound Center at Mt. Carmel. It lives on to inspire others, just like the other artworks made by Paula. These, along with the many kindnesses shown by Paula to others, are the seeds she has left behind. She would have wanted them to bring a bountiful harvest of more love, humor, beauty and understanding.   

Squirreling Away

Poppy

The Sweeter Side of Me