Patron of the Arts Interview: Artist Megan Wolfe talks Urban Art, Abstract Realism & Cinema
Patron of the Arts had the opportunity to sit down with artist Megan Wolfe to talk about her upcoming projects- one of which includes a group art show titled a “A Tribute to Classic Cinema” at the Mill Valley Film Festival in October. Wolfe has been gaining recognition within the world of contemporary art for her portrayals of urban nature. Her unique abstract-realism aesthetic is both skillful and compelling, holding allure for those who prefer crisp, clean, urban inspired abstractions. You can learn more about the world of Megan Wolfe , and follow her on your favorite social network, here:
1. Tell us a little bit about you and your art.
Having moved to the Bay Area from north Mississippi, I’ve drawn most of my inspiration from what little nature manages to flourish here. I’ve now lived in San Francisco for nearly ten years, and even now I miss experiencing the joy other creatures can bring to my day. I try to complete that missing connection through my work, and relate my own struggles to the struggles nature encounters within its concrete fishbowl.
I initially started my artistic commentary with a series of high-realism, pencil drawings, centered around pigeons, peeling bark, and weeds. In the last year, it dawned on me that realism had it’s limitations in exploring the emotional and psychological aspects of ‘urban nature’. Because of that, my work is becoming increasingly abstract, but still maintains aspects of realism.
Controlled chaos is what nature is, and so my drawings are becoming more true to my subjects.
2. You are participating in the Mill Valley Film Festival Art Show, tell us about the show?
Carly Ivan Garcia curates his next RAW exhibit “A Tribute to Classic Cinema” at the 34th annual Mill Valley Film Festival. On October 6th, the opening night of the Film Fest, patrons are invited to view the works of several internationally recognized painters, including Brett Amory, Brian Leo, Akira Beard, Ali Garcia, Anne Herreo, and Megan Wolfe. The show will also include the works of internationally recognized mural artist Ian Ross, mixed media artist Lyrica Glory, and sculptor Brenton Bostwick. The show promises to be a inspired collection of cinema-inspired artwork, all available for purchase.
Inspired by the theme “A Tribute to Classic Cinema”, I’ve chosen to use photographic references taken from screenshots of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds”. Each drawing is an abstracted representation of crows in motion, and is created with intense energy. I selected these references from the school scene toward the end of the movie, a scene that I felt was most terrifying, and somehow beautiful. For me, it’s a fitting tribute because Hitchcock has always inspired my work in terms of how subtle the suspense can be; art doesn’t need to be over-the-top to be a brilliant work. Sometimes, less is more, but Hitchcock always had a great balance of both.
The RAW shows that Carly Ivan Garcia curates are much the same way, they’re a great balance of both subtle and intense, and there’s something in this show for everyone. Whether you’re interested in portraiture abstraction sculpture , or mixed media you’ll find something at the Mill Valley Film Fest to fall in love with. It’s almost like choosing a film genre; what is your preference, and what do you enjoy seeing? Artists on show include Akira Beard, Anne Herrero, Brett Amory, Brenton Bostwick, Brandon Friend, Lyrica Glory, Megan Wolfe, Ray Sell, Ali Garcia, Rachel Monosov, Ian Ross, Fred Aquino and Carly Ivan Garcia.
3. What are some things that you like/respect working with curator Carly Ivan Garcia?
Carly’s got a great energy; I love working with him. He’s excited about being an artist, and he’s also excited about bringing other artists together to create a great show. He makes a positive environment for people to experience art. I don’t see how he does it really, and yet somehow, he does it all over again after each show. His enthusiasm makes you even more excited to be an artist, and right now, when it’s an especially tough environment to maintain your creative focus, that’s an amazing thing.
4. Are you a movie fan? What are your favorite types of movies? Do you ever find creative inspiration in cinema for your art?
You know, I’ve never met anyone who didn’t enjoy movies. I think what’s more varied is just what kind of movie you enjoy, and for me, I’m a huge fan of horrors. I love the horror formula because it’s extremely feminist in nature, and somehow, the mass populous is perfectly ok with that. It’s kind of sneaky how the main character is almost always female, and if it isn’t, the crushing blow to the villain is delivered by one. I don’t so much find direct inspiration for my work through film usually, but horror films do inspire me to be a strong woman, even if my bad-guys are broken pencils and burnt coffee.
5. Do you have any upcoming projects that you are excited about?
Right now, I have several things on the horizon, but details are still solidifying, so I can’t make any official announcements. However, I am continuing to collaborate with bird aviaries for photographic and artistic field trips (currently, Mickacoo, which specializes in King Pigeon rescue), and I’ve been approached by a couple of people to create murals. Those I’m especially excited about, because they give me the opportunity to take my work to a new level by working larger, and in public. I’m looking forward to doing more things like that, and I’ve been debating whether or not to approach a couple of spaces myself. But definitely keep an eye on my website www.meganwolfeart.com for what’s new and upcoming; things are happening!
ABOUT: The Mill Valley Film Festival-
Opening Night Gala is less than two weeks away and now is the time to get your tickets before they sell out. Tickets can be purchased, here: It’s going to be one spectacular night with all of your fellow film fan and party going friends.
After you’ve seen your favorite pick of this year’s Opening Night films join us at the Mill Valley Community Center. Thanks to all of our event sponsors who are bringing in lot’s of fresh new elements for this extraordinary night. And of course to Wells Fargo who we could not produce Opening Night without.
We’ll roll out the red carpet for you and greet you with a signature cocktail from HelloCello Limoncello of Sonoma. Or, grab an IPA from our favorite local brewery Lagunitas. If you prefer wine- we’ve got you covered. Trinchero Family Estates is our featured winery that night and will be pouring their Menage a Trois brand.
There will be plenty of good food again this year. A special thanks to Chef Nico Martin of Pizza Antica who will be preparing the main menu. And thank you to the many other event sponsors including Marin French Cheese, Judy’s Breadsticks, desserts by Champagne French Bakery and Peet’s coffee.
We couldn’t have a great party without world class entertainment. For those of you who want to hit the dance floor, Marin County’s home grown band, “The Edge” will be playing Rock & Reggae.
We’ll also have a special art show curated by our friend and talented artist Carly Ivan Garcia. Carly, also a Marin County Native, has worked hard to bring in artists from all over the country. There will be 14 internationally acclaimed artists’ works on display. We know you’ll enjoy this amazing tribute to classic cinema: “A RAW Art Gallery Exhibit”
Even More About the Festival…
Welcome to our 34th edition! A celebration of the best in independent and world cinema, MVFF brings together a community of filmmakers and film lovers in Mill Valley, San Rafael and beyond to experience amazing new films in the beautiful environment of San Francisco’s Bay Area. With its reputation as a filmmakers’ festival, this prestigious noncompetitive event showcases international features, documentaries, shorts and children’s films—something for every filmgoer.
For filmmakers, audiences and industry professionals alike, the Mill Valley Film Festival is the perfect environment. Founded in 1978 by California Film Institute Director Mark Fishkin, the Festival is well known for the quality of its programming. It has established an impressive track record for launching new films and new filmmakers, and has earned a reputation as a filmmakers’ festival by offering a high-profile, prestigious, noncompetitive environment for celebrating the best in independent and world cinema.
Each year, the 11-day Festival sells over 40,000 tickets and welcomes more than 200 filmmakers from around the world. Festival sections include: World Cinema; US Cinema; Valley of the Docs; Children’s FilmFest; 5@5, a daily shorts program; and Active Cinema, our activist films initiative. Gala celebrations, tributes to actors and filmmakers, workshops, panels and seminars, as well as opportunities to mingle with filmmakers in the spectacular setting of the San Francisco Bay Area are just a few of the reasons Screen International named Mill Valley one of its top 10 US film festivals.
via The Mill Valley Film Festival | October 6-16, 2011 – About Us. The art show will be at the Mill Valley community center at 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA.
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