PAUL
I met Paul in 2006 during my three-month stint with the Academy of Circus Arts (ACA). He had recently resigned from the Parachute Regiment of the British Army serving in conflict zones. Using a fund from the charity Prince’s Trust he enrolled in the ACA where he started training as a clown. I started documenting his life again in 2008.
Naturally extrovert Paul had a tough time in school and later in the military. Together with his younger brother they were brought up by foster families until they were nine, when they were both adopted by the same parents. His younger brother died from a drug overdose while Paul was in the military.
Today he lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire in the UK together with his girlfriend Rachel and his son Tomus. Rachel is his brother’s ex girlfriend and Tomus is named after him. Paul is trying to make his living by performing in local parties and community gatherings. He has also had small roles in music videos and short films.
I am interested in Paul because in his character and story I read universal human conditions and feelings to their extreme. Paul’s story questions ideas about fatherhood, companionship, brotherhood, love, hate, happiness and the struggle to make a living. My hope is that viewers can recognize parts of their own selves in the story.
Naturally extrovert Paul had a tough time in school and later in the military. Together with his younger brother they were brought up by foster families until they were nine, when they were both adopted by the same parents. His younger brother died from a drug overdose while Paul was in the military.
Today he lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire in the UK together with his girlfriend Rachel and his son Tomus. Rachel is his brother’s ex girlfriend and Tomus is named after him. Paul is trying to make his living by performing in local parties and community gatherings. He has also had small roles in music videos and short films.
I am interested in Paul because in his character and story I read universal human conditions and feelings to their extreme. Paul’s story questions ideas about fatherhood, companionship, brotherhood, love, hate, happiness and the struggle to make a living. My hope is that viewers can recognize parts of their own selves in the story.