Larry Wolf
Distinguished Artist of the ArtAscent Winter call for entry. To see this in print, grab a copy of the ArtAscent Art & Literature Journal Winter issue.
Artist Statement
I communicate my struggle to search for new alternatives and solutions to problems both in art and in the courtroom. This portfolio of work expresses my drive to always look at things in a new way. Art has become an outlet that has taken me on a journey that I share with the viewer through these works that are as intriguing to the mind as they are a delight to the eye.
About My Work
As an attorney, my experience is extensive, having practiced criminal defense law for more than 40 years. As an artist, I am self-taught and passionate.
My art reflects an intriguing attempt to combine my passion for law with my love for artistic expression through bold textures and vibrant colours. Dedicating over 40 years to building my legal skills, I explore my experiences in this field through introspection that is expressed in my series of original paintings entitled A Brush with the Law.
My emergence into art was paved by my spiritual teacher who emphasized creativity and the necessity of getting out of the way of one’s own head. I soon discovered that, even though I couldn’t sing or dance, I was intrigued by the use of colour and texture. Through meditation and keen observation, my creativity has blossomed.
A very absorptive surface, raw canvas propels me to create unpredictable, explosive, and vibrant results. I have also carried this exploration of surface to the use of silkscreens, requiring the application of paint from the back of the material, again producing unanticipated textures and formations as well as unique and dramatic results.
Colour dictates and controls not only what I paint but also the medium that I paint with. Pieces of discarded objects often magically find their way onto my canvas. Those objects call out to me for the colours that will convey their unique messages and emotions to the viewer. They are as much a part of my art as the law is a part of my vocation.
My work reflects my never-ending search for new alternatives and solutions to problems both in art and in the courtroom. I am driven to always look at things in new ways and, if successful, my paintings can inspire others to do the same.
