AS IS | Petra Wolf

Artist

From Munich

Based in Munich, Germany

We've had the opportunity to interview enthralling Petra Wolf about the therapeutic powers of art-making, the best ways to approach art for beginners, and much more

A: Please, tell us a bit more about yourself. What brought you into art?

P: When I was a little girl, my grandfather showed me the world of art. It was a lot of fun and through him, I developed a feeling for colors and techniques. But as is often the case, at some point everyday life and work got in the way of art. In 2020 during Lockdown and after two hard strokes of fate I needed an outlet to deal with what had happened. That’s why I started painting again. Abstract art is a form of self-therapy to me in which I can let my thoughts and emotions run free. I love trying out new techniques and color combinations and mostly work with a wide variety of tools - there are no limits to my artistic imagination.

A: What inspires you the most?

P: I love nature and especially the sea. It makes me feel calm and grounded and I get inspired by it a lot. My paintings should reflect my impressions from the environment and my feelings, which I also incorporate into my color design and textures. But also, they should move the viewer emotionally.

A: Do you have any specific rituals while working (creating)?

P: When I paint I usually listen to some music. But sometimes I also like complete silence around me to collect my thoughts and then bring them onto the canvas.

A: What would you recommend to someone who's new to art (whether artist or just an admirer), what to begin with?

P: I would recommend simply starting and then trying out a lot of techniques to find your own, unique style. A lot of people are scared to do something wrong and to make mistakes. But that’s the cool thing about art – you can’t do something wrong! You either like what you created, or you learned from it! Stop worrying about what others might say about it and do what feels right to you.

A: Your top 3 adjectives related to art?

P: Art is intuitive, emotional, and freeing.

A: The best angle to look at art is from ..?

P: ... the heart.

A: The perfect phrase to start any conversation about art is: ..?

P: What do you feel when you look at this painting?

A: Must-read books to talk about art (or do we even need them)?

P: I don’t think reading books are necessary to understand or create art. Art is supposed to make you feel something, and come from within. But I do think it can help you in your creative and artistic journey and looking at artworks in a different light. Art is a craft, which shouldn’t be underestimated. That’s why books explaining the basics (color theory, contrasts, etc.) are helpful. I think most of the knowledge comes from your experience, though. You learn by trying out new techniques and finding out what works and what doesn’t. Practice is key.

A: If you could change one thing in the art world - what would it be?

P: In my opinion, art and especially small artists should be more appreciated. Everyone has their own unique art style and I think it’s important that the artists don't put each other down, but rather form a community and support each other. Also, I personally think it’s crazy how there is a really small percentage of artists who earn millions with their artworks, while most of the “regular” artists can’t even afford to live off of their passion. How great would it be if there was a way the government could support small artists financially? There are so many people who choose not to be an artist, simply because they can’t afford it. I think that’s really sad.

A: Please, share your favorite quote (not necessarily related to art).

P: "Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time."

Thomas Merton

Thank you!

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