Vivian Walz

Vivian Walz

After a lifetime of experimentation with styles, subject matter, and media, including ceramics, textiles, and illustration, I now find myself moving towards abstraction. It started with drawings based on photo references of urban wear and tear — rusted dumpsters, cracks in the sidewalk, scratches and dents left from a fender bender — but framed and cropped so any reference to context was removed, and the image appeared to be completely non-representational. Then I began to use abstract monotypes as the background for my realistic drawings of birds. The backgrounds proved to be as engaging as the subjects, and I began to create them as stand-alone paintings.

My new series of paintings is inspired by local landscapes, done in acrylic on cradled panel. These paintings use color, light and shadow, gesture, texture, and shape to evoke the emotions conjured by a landscape rather than simply what our eyes observe.

Lifelong learning is central to both my art-making and my personal philosophy. I have a BA in studio art, with an emphasis in sculpture, from San Francisco State University and have continued to take classes in both studio art and art history at City College of San Francisco.

I am a member of the Art Guild of Pacifica, and exhibit my work regularly at the Sanchez Art Center in Pacifica, and have participated in the Silicon Valley Open Studios, and San Francisco Open Studios.
Email: vivianmariewalz@gmail.com
Website: www.vivianmariewalz.com
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