about_artist

Born in 1943, the influences of an eclectic childhood, growing up in such

diverse cultures as; Argentina, Brazil, Haiti, San Francisco, New Orleans,

New York and the Southwest are evident in Juanita's work.

A multi-media artist, with over 30 years experience, Juanita became infatuated with claywork

when she returned to New Mexico 10 years ago and became reacquainted with the

imagery, colors, shapes and the physical legacy of ancient and alien cultures. She

found that New Mexico is a land of numerous historical, archeaological, mythological

and extraterrestrial events, as she continues to explore the possibilities with clay and

continues creating multi-media masks on commission.

SELECTED BIOGRAPHICAL & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

1966 - 1975 Craftsman, primarily with custom leatherwork, board games and marionettes.

1979 - 1982 Art student at University of California, focus on sculpture. sculpture studio & foundry technician

1980 - 1985 Worked with stone, cement and 3-D cast paper and mold making.

1985 - Master craftsman at San Francisco Opera Co. craft shop

1985 - 1987 Sculpture & crafts studio technician & guest lecturer, Cabrillo College, Art Department, Aptos, CA

1975 - 1999 Maskmaker, props and commercial art for television, theatre & film productions

1975 - 1999 Over 200 juried or invitational exhibits nationally

1966 - 1999 Sculpture, hand building clay and mask making teacher. Experience with all ages and levels

DOCUMENTATION OF WORK

* "Masker Aid" by Rae Anderson. 100 contemporary mask makers & techniques; Lerna Press, 1986; Ontario, Canada

* "Art of Albuquerque", featured artist, 1991-1992, Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau.

* "New Mexico Directory of Hispanic Culture", 1990 & 1992; Albquerque, NM

* Radiance Magazine, artist profile article, San Francisco, CA. Summer 1991.

* "Colores", artist profile, KNME-TV, PBS, May 1991, Albuquerque, NM

* "Juanita Wolff", 12 minute video documentary by Eric Mathes, Santa Cruz, CA. 1986.

* "Berkeley Review", issue 27, 1993-1994, University of California, Berkeley, CA

* Print articles published 1975-1999, New Mexico and northern California newspapers and magazines.

* "Ceramics" magazine. June, 1999

* Albuquerque Arts Alliance, Directory of Artists, 1999.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Workshops and classes for all ages, 8-80, at all levels of experience. I have over 30 years experience teaching sculpture, mask making and hand building ceramics at universities, colleges, community centers, high schools, libraries, elementary schools, and senior centers, to name a few. I especially enjoy multi-generational classes. Classes can range from one hour workshops to month long projects/residencies, dependent on the focus, goals and budget.

References & rates provided on request. Email for information.

MASK RESTORATION & REPAIR WORK

I have 20 years experience repairing, restoring and rebuilding masks for theatre, film & video companies as well as for private collectors.

If you are interested, please contact me for more information.

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