Bridie Wolejko
Bridie Wolejko graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2020 from Fitchburg State University with a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Minor in Studio Art. She is enrolled in the FSU Art Education Master’s program with the goal of becoming a certified art teacher. She has been a practicing artist for the past 20 years exhibiting her work in numerous galleries all over Massachusetts. She is a multi-disciplinary visual artist with a background focused on traditional painting, and currently creates mixed-media collage in a variety of subject matter from nature to the occult.
Q&A
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? I have a few standout artistic memories from childhood… when I was around 7, I made a huge cut-out circus scene with everything from elephants to a ringmaster. I hand drew everything and cut it all out propping it all up with popsicle sticks. I recently found an album my mom keeps with my childhood artwork and there is a scene of a cabin surrounded by fir trees and it says I was 3 years old when I made it, I don’t remember drawing it, but if it’s true…it’s pretty impressive! I also remember entering a lot of coloring contests, which were really popular in the 80s, and winning a lot of them…I won everything from a Care Bears picnic table to some first edition signed Elf Quest comics which I still have!
When did art become a pursuit? Art became a pursuit in my 20s. I was living in Boston and creating art in my spare time. I started exhibiting my work all over town and selling pieces which I never thought would happen. My creativity helped land me an internship on The Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! in L.A. where I learned a lot of new artistic skills like set design and costuming.
Lydia The Tattoo Lady, Collage
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? Actually both! I’ve been a practicing artist since my early 20s without a formal art education, but just recently, I went back to school to finish my Bachelor’s degree and minored in studio art. I’m currently enrolled in an Arts Education M.Ed. program and am taking studio arts classes on the master’s level.
How did you first become involved with CAA? Through Instagram -I was drawn to CCA through their strong social media presence and quickly realized I wanted to be part of this thriving community-based arts organization. I worked for a Cambridge-based non-profit organization for 5 years, so It is really nice to reconnect to the community through CCA.
What role do you think the artist plays in society? I think that artists are modern day storytellers.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? Right now I’m working mostly with collage. I come from a painting background, but made the switch to collage last year. My husband and I adopted an amazing 2 week old boy we named Eddie and painting just wasn’t feasible! I realized that collage was much lower maintenance when caring for an infant and I have completely fallen in love with the medium.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? I’m really taken with Instagram art challenges at the moment! There are some really creative people on IG who post different weekly or daily prompts, some specifically for collage, and it’s been really inspirational to try different subject matter outside of my comfort zone.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? I draw on my knowledge of classic horror imagery. Movies from the 60s – 80s and authors like Lovecraft inspire my art. I’m also inspired by my surroundings in beautiful northern Worcester Country. Themes of nature and the occult abound in my work. I also love collaging elaborate headdresses which tell a story about the characters who wear them.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? I’m super proud of a large collage I did called Hecate based on the Greek Goddess of magic and witchcraft which won me the Fitchburg Art Museum 85th Regional Art Show this past summer.
What is one of your artistic goals? To become a certified art teacher.
What’s your favorite place to see art, and why? I love the deCordova, even though sculpture isn’t my favorite form of art, there is something so magical about seeing larger than life sculpture in the woods! I also really like the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield. It’s such a throw back, and has not changed too much in over a century -it’s like stepping back in time, and being at a mini MFA. They have dioramas!
What living artists are you inspired by? Too many to name! Here are a few… Bisa Butler, Shepherd Fairey, Shintaro Kago, Moon Patrol, Inga Markstrom, Muff, Mark Rogers.
Do you have any shows coming up? Right now I call central MA my home, although my husband still works for Harvard University, and we have many ties to Cambridge. In Fitchburg, I have a solo show at my Alma Matter as the 2021 Alumni Artist, and I have an upcoming solo exhibit at the Fitchburg Art Museum after winning the 85th Regional Art Show this past Summer.
See more from Bridie
The featured artwork, Lydia the Tattoo Lady, and various more works from Bridie can be found on view at the Speedway through the Print + Work on Paper Program. Click to learn more.
Instagram: @artist.bee.dubs
Website: www.bridiewolejko.com