This cover story featuring Theatre Adjunct Professor Paulo Lima delves into his journey as an artist and educator who blends imagination, heritage and repurposed beauty in a multidisciplinary art practice shaped by childhood wonder and theatrical roots. His journey has included sketching garments as a teen in Brazil, studying theater in the U.S., and teaching costume design and costume history at CPP. Lima now creates sculptures, paintings and photographs that explore transformation, memory and decay. His work is currently on view at VOICES Gallery and along Santa Barbara’s State Street.

This article was originally published by Voice Magazine Santa Barbara on February 13, 2026.