Pamela Wolfe graduated from Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland in 1971. Since graduating she has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions throughout New Zealand. Over her prolific career Wolfe has varied her subject matter from highly coloured representations of the local landscape to detailed still-life studies.
Wolfe’s current practice is focused on creating richly textured paintings of flowers over their life cycles, observing the changes that occur from bud to decay. The subtle technique in which Wolfe portrays the fragility of these specimens has been honed over many years and highlights the transient nature of beauty.
The contrast of the petals of roses and peonies against the dark and textured backgrounds from which they emerge gives an extravagant sensuality to the works and references Dutch still-life painting of the 17th century. The motif is also suggestive of the rich soil from where the delicate blossoms begin their life cycles. Wolfe enlarges the flowers to fill the picture plane and enhances the feeling of seeing these blooms from a butterfly’s perspective.
Wolfe’s work can be found in corporate, private and public collections throughout New Zealand. Pamela is also a successful book illustrator and has worked on number of books with her husband, writer Richard Wolfe.
EXHIBITIONS
SOLO
- 2016 – Pleasure Garden
- 2015 – Savage Beauty
- 2014 – Penumbra
- 2012 – Tempus Fugit
- 2011 – Fertile Grounds
