Meet CJ Paschke | Designer-Builder-Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with CJ Paschke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi CJ, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been creative, even as a kid I was building and tinkering with things. As a young boy I aspired to be a structural engineer and design bridges. I could see things in my mind in three dimensions and at the same time solve problems. College was not a priority in the house I grew up in.

I remember when I was twelve years old I built a motorized go-cart out of disguarded junk. I drove that cart around the neighborhood until a cop gave me a ticket for driving without a driver’s license. The judge ordered me to dismantle the go-cart.

It was at that moment when I decided that when I get to be an adult I’m going to build or create whatever I want.

The thing about art is that you can create what ever comes into your mind. You can experiment and explore different options.

I pursued an artistic career because it offered a creative freedom to do undiluted expression. To write, paint and build in my own style. To break rules I think are too rigid.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is unique because I combine stained glass and steel with wood. It has taken years to find that right mix of materials that create an eye pleasing piece.

I spent all of my adult life doing carpentry work. I worked on all kinds of projects for ten years and then went back to school to get a structural engineering degree.

It was after I graduated from engineering school that my wife and I bought an old grange dance hall. That building became my home and workshop/art studio. I call it 5 Elements Art Studio.

The commissions for custom furniture did not come as I thought they would, but I kept building a portfolio of works to sell. I live in a rural area so finding buyers was never easy.

I never gave up and expanded my options with fine art painting and entering art shows and such. Now I am well known for creating beautiful utilitarian art. Cabinets, furniture, jewelry boxes and stained glass is what I do most.

For those wanting to have a career in the arts it may take a lifetime before the seeds of success sprout. So you’ve got to stick with it no matter what anyone says.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Wisconsin. There are winter activities like skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing. Most people here gather at their favorite little hangout and chatter about the Packers or local politics.

My suggestions would be to go to a restaurant that specializes in a Friday fish fry. I’ve traveled throughout the country and nowhere can you get fish like here in Wisconsin. Wendt’s on lake Winnebago is one of the best places for fish.

I would take a visitor to some of the microbreweries around. They are fun and have some of the best wood fired pizza.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I think I owe my success to my wife who believed in me when she saw some architectural drawings I did before we were married.

It’s always a struggle to convince people of your creativity. Art is never considered to be a real job and people tend to view it as a cop out as opposed to getting a mediocre job and hammering down to the business of keeping your nose to the grindstone.

I think my wife was the only one who realized the potential for success through my artistic expressions be it house building, furniture design or stained glass artwork.

Website: https://c1oooooo.wixsite.com/5elementsartstudio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cj.paschke.7?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Other: Email: c1oooooo@yahoo.com

Image Credits
C. J. Paschke