Learning the Word Dilettante is a 40 page zine that was Paul's response to a period of inertia where the drive to 'make' was intense but the challenge of choosing a direction (of medium, research area, methodology etc) felt overwhelming. So, he went nowhere. Aware that this was not a unique experience Paul decided that rather than attempt to overcome or master the perceived obstacle he would delve into the phenomenon.

The zine weaves together universal themes alongside more personal/autobiographical experiences to foreground the struggles, vulnerability and sheer absurdity involved in making. Combining photos, quotes and found imagery, Learning the Word Dilettante provokes the viewer to reflect on notions of authenticity, ego, taste and self-doubt that circulate art and the artist.

Paul is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice includes digital media, creative writing, print and film. His dissertation, ‘Chronic Illness Narratives and Neoliberalism’ lay the foundations for a practice which today still revolves around issues of personal identity and the consequences of the neoliberal agenda proliferation in society.