Meet Chloe Wilwerding | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chloe Wilwerding and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chloe, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I am a broadly curious person and always have been. In high school, I tested as a Region 99 on career aptitude tests. Region 99 is for students who have no clear career direction. While this seems somewhat dooming, I wasn’t the lost soul who might come to mind. I wasn’t interested in nothing. I was interested in everything.

In college, I ultimately narrowed my studies down to a double major in political science and studio art. Over the course of my undergraduate years, I realized that studio art was a tool for exploration. I could study whatever I wanted through the lens of art. When I was working on an art project about a specific topic, I got to mull that topic over from every angle. What colors, materials, and symbols best conveyed the ideas I was exploring? Art allowed for depth in exploration of an idea or topic, but didn’t dictate what the content could or should be. The content could be anything.

Right now, climate change and digital culture feature in my work as two challenges that require redefining what it means to be human and repositioning ourselves in relation to our environments. To make art about climate change, I’ve read scientific articles. I’ve read poetry about mourning and loss. I’ve gone for long hikes. I’ve foraged. I’ve read sacred texts and news articles. And then I synthesize all of that research through the visual mediums I pick, which includes even more layers of exploration and play.

The decision to be an artist was a decision about the tools I was going to use to explore the world, but not about the content I was dedicating my life to. My decision to pursue my artistic career was a decision not to put boundaries around my curiosity but to let it be as expansive as possible. The secret I learned through art is that you can stay a Region 99 forever.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art always starts with a question. The big question that flows throughout all of my work is “What does it mean to be human?” That question is broken down into smaller questions in different bodies of work. Two topics that I have been focusing on lately are climate change and digital culture. I think that both are forcing us to reevaluate how we understand our own humanity and place within a larger context.

The question comes first in my work. Then, I decide on the best materials to explore the question. I am trained as a printmaker. My work does not include many traditional printmaking processes anymore, but the mindsets of printmaking are still part of my process. I work with a clear plan and frequently use repetition and multiples in my work. Most of my art is mixed media. I gravitate towards the tactility and meditativeness of working with textiles. I also always like to leave room for experimentation and discovery with new materials.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I recently moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado and didn’t realize how many friends I have until I got here. I’ve had a steady stream of visitors wanting to check out this gorgeous place! Obviously, the skiing in Steamboat is a major draw. I love all of the hiking and camping in north Routt County. The hot springs, both Old Town Hot Springs and Strawberry Park Hot Springs, are so relaxing. Snow Bowl has a great lineup of events, especially outdoor music in the summer, and is a good spot for a big group. Storm Peak Brewing is also a favorite spot not only because of the beer but also because they allow dogs inside.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My dad is always asking what I’m reading and taking conversations to a heady space. He trains me for the type of rigorous thinking I want to ground the decisions I make in my art practice. My mom advocates for balance, rest, and patience with myself, which are always reminders I need. My friend and fellow artist Will Weygint gives the most thoughtful feedback. My nephew Leo, who is six years old, keeps telling me that his art is almost as good as mine. With him on my tail, I am motivated to keep pushing myself to be a better and better artist.

Website: https://www.chloewilwerding.com/

Instagram: @chloe_wilwerding_art

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-wilwerding-880534b0