Art Talk | Wilda

“They’re like my children…”

Wilda Wolf is telling me about her paintings. I’ve arrived at her suite in Shannon Oaks Vancouver and she has used her couch, armchairs and coffee table to humbly curate an entire gallery of art to show me. Nearly all of the paintings depict serene landscapes and as I gaze at her weathered hands, I realize that they represent an incredible amount of skill. Breathtaking outdoor views in watercolour and acrylic are interspersed with detailed sketchbook drawings.

Her kind eyes sparkle as she shares her history with me. She pulls out a photo album which captures her time in Calgary as part of a “Sketch Club” with other artists. An initial page in the book relays to me that most of Wilda’s art instruction happened in high school. Now, her paintings hang in homes across the globe including in Japan, Germany, England and the U.S. She also holds several awards including one for outstanding field painting.

She continues to turn the pages carefully and reminisce about the meals shared, the cabins slept in, and the views where her artist collective set up camp to paint.

These days, Wilda does not paint due to physical pain, but she loves to share her work with a wide audience. Shannon Oaks hosted a small gallery session for her, and she would love to share more. She calls the paintings her children; she does not want to give them away, but wants to see them flourish and be appreciated for what they are.

Although Wilda no longer paints, her artistry in curating this gallery and sharing her talent continues to inspire. As a blooming artist, she holds a gallery of examples and wisdom for all who will are willing to enjoy the viewing!

Read the rest of our Artist in Bloom series by searching the website. You can also read more about Baptist Housing’s wellness initiatives, including artistic engagement, by visiting Baptist Housing’s wellness initiatives page.

- Bethany Mortelliti, Administrative Assistant in Marketing and Communication