Wiley Holton
Wiley Holton is a Medford, MA based painter. Her work explores the intersections of geometry, color theory, and mental health.
Q&A
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? My earliest memory of being artistic is from when I was 3 or so. My parents took me to the circus and when we got home they asked me what my favorite part was. Instead of responding in words, I ran to my room and drew out my favorite part with markers.
When did art become a pursuit? Art was always been a pursuit for me. It has always been the most natural way that I express myself. It was never a question of IF I would be an “artist when I grew up”, but what would that look like.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I am formally educated in visual art. I have been extremely fortunate to be able to attend college and have full support from my family to study painting.
How did you first become involved with CAA? I first became involved with CAA when I was looking to get more involved in the local art community when covid first slowed down a little bit.
What role do you think the artist plays in society? I think that the artist has the ability to play any role in society, whether that looks like activism, therapy, beauty, etc. Art can be used to provoke and respond.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I currently work with acrylics and graphite. I use acrylic rather than oil because I need the paint to dry in minutes rather than hours or days. In my kaleidoscope paintings I tape off every shape to paint, so having a quick dry time is essential.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? I find inspiration in colors I see out in nature. My main works are abstract and geometric, so I like to work with colors from nature to make the works feel warmer.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? The reoccurring theme in my work is mental health/illness and the internal chaos that comes with them. My work mainly focuses on the anxiety and depression that are a result of my ADHD, and how that disorder and two mental illnesses affect my daily life.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? My best/favorite piece I’ve made is Circumferences of the Void, 70×70”, acrylic and graphite on board. I was awarded the President’s Purchase Prize for this painting at the Senior Studio Art Exhibition and now resides in the Colby College Museum of Art.
See more from Wiley
Instagram: @artbywileyholton
Website: www.wileyholton.com