Meet Tucson-based Artist Paul Sgoutas

Paul Sgoutas is a former CFR, husband, father, occupational therapist, and photographer living in Tucson, AZ. He recently launched his faith-based photo collection, Perception. You can learn more about Paul on his website and Instagram, and contact him via email at hiddensourcephotography@gmail.com.

CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: Where are you from originally, and what brought you to your current city?

PAUL SGOUTAS: I grew up in CT, then eventually went on to spend six years with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in my 20’s, living mostly in NYC and Fort Worth, TX. I transitioned out (in good standing), and went on to become a husband, father, and occupational therapist. Upon finishing my master’s program, it became clear we would have to move for a job. The promise of beautiful mountains and mild winters drew us out west to Tucson, AZ about five years ago.

How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist?

I have often “found” and enjoyed God’s presence in the beauty of nature, even recently brought to some tears of gratitude sitting alone atop a massive rock outcropping many miles into the Sonoran desert wilderness, a perfect match of warm sunlight, a cool breeze, a sense of accomplishment, adventure, and companionship with God that I often forget.

I have always enjoyed photography, and over the years many people have commented about many of my images being special, capturing beauty in ways they so easily could have otherwise missed. I am particularly struck by a line of scripture from the Old Testament hidden away in the Book of Wisdom (13:5)- “From the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator.” While God’s beauty is paradoxically most evident on the cross, I have found it helpful to also let uplifting experiences in His creation point back to Him.

I’m launching my new gallery combining my most striking photos with carefully selected scripture verses, in effort not only to supplement income to support our family, but also to help people see differently. Feelings of inspiration and enthusiasm are fleeting and often unsubstantial, but there are moments when beauty ‘pierces’ and ‘reawakens’ us, as Benedict XVI once said in a message to artists.

I am “husband” and “dad” before I am “artist,” I think. Or am I an artist who became a husband and father? One way or another, finding, creating and sharing beauty comes naturally to me.

How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?

Perhaps parishes could host a yearly faith-based craft and art show/gallery free for local Catholic/Christian artists who would have to apply for acceptance to showcase their work. Or, given the potentially inspiring nature of work like mine, perhaps it could be advertised in a bulletin at reduced cost.

How can the artistic world be more welcoming to artists of faith?

I have already had multiple social media posts rejected by groups, I think for including reference to scripture. This is just how it is. We as Catholics thankfully aren’t meant to stand apart from culture, but in the midst of it, contributing to God’s ongoing work of redemption. So, I am also promoting versions of my work without scripture added, and if anyone finds them compelling enough in the midst of countless other nature photos, perhaps they will end up on my page and see what I do. The artistic world as a whole cannot understand its fullest identity, purpose, and value, without God, who creates and sustains all that is, and who all beautiful things point toward.

Where in your city do you regularly find artistic fulfillment?

My artistic fulfillment is most often found aboard my mountain bike riding into the wilderness around Tucson.

Describe a recent day in which you were most completely living out your vocation as an artist.

Before answering a question like this, I have to acknowledge that the concept of having one’s identity rooted in a vocation, or calling, is actually a bit strange to me now, given that I have been 100% sure about more than one important thing in my life, and ended up being wrong. If I take time to check my temptation toward irrational resentment and remind myself of the truth of things, I can see that God did not mislead me, but He allowed me in my freedom to navigate my way through the twisting paths, with Him willing to bless my decisions with the grace of His presence, working in the present moments to bring good “for those who [try to] love Him.” Is it a vocation for me to do what I am doing now? I never heard God’s voice infusing this with a deeper sense of purpose, but I have seen what suggests his hand at work in the beauty around us, and I hope that others can experience that too.

What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists post-graduation?

If you want to have a family, be able to provide. Gain a trade/skill/certification with good job opportunities. A priest once told me, “Be strong to help the weak.”