Paula Kovarik is a textile artist whose work has been profiled in American Craft, Fiber ArtNow, and Art Quilting Studio. Kovarik sees stitching as an extension of her thoughts, and welcomes moments of surprise in her practice. Her work is about the inner coming out, intimate attention, and the work of layering, ripping, and cutting. She holds a BFA from Southern Illinois University, and for 30 years was the owner and creative director of Shades of Gray graphic design studio.