Paulina Kobylar is a painter and rug enthusiast based in Providence, originating from upstate NY. Her paintings are layered with texture and movement, often inspired by colors of the natural world and those seen from a desk in a rug shop. Paulina creates pieces that blend texture, color, and form to invite deep connection. With a passion for storytelling through visual language, her process allows art and functional design to inform the other. Her work has been exhibited in small galleries and private homes.
Sirens 2021
Acrylic, gouache, oil and thread on canvas 64″ x 79″
Artist Statement
My work reflects the quiet yet profound moments we encounter in daily life, drawing heavily from memory and the subtle rhythms of instinct. As both a painter and lover of textiles, I find inspiration in the textures and natural details that often go unnoticed – the weathered surfaces, the interplay of light, the stones gathered over time. I explore how color and movement can evoke emotion, how layers can hint at time passing, and how a finished piece can feel at once both raw and refined. Whether on canvas or in fiber, my approach is both instinctive and deliberate, allowing the process to guide me. My work is an exploration of existence, transformation, and the quiet spaces we inhabit within ourselves.
Additional Info
Artist Instagram: @paulinakobylar
Part of Growing the NetWorks
This artist was selected by a past NetWorks Rhode Island participant as part of Growing the NetWorks — a 2025 exhibition presented by WaterFire Providence, at the WaterFire Arts Center, celebrating peer-nominated artists from across Rhode Island. Learn more at waterfire.org/growingthenetworks
Highlighting the work of selected artists who have played vital roles in shaping the contemporary visual arts community in Rhode Island. This collection of brief video portraits provides a window into the lives, practices, and cultural contributions of professional artists.
