Meet Jacqui Wolf | Visual Artist ＆ Art Teacher

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

Hi Jacqui, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
As I continue to grow into a teaching artist, I have such an honor to work for Nicole and Marbella Jaramillo at Studio Claremont, where they set an excellent example as small business owners and artists. I walked away from teaching in the traditional school system that might provide me with comfort and familiarity, but I am now getting the experience I would never have a chance to get anywhere else. From hosting art making parties to teaching all kinds of art classes, I observe Nicole and Marbella’s customer service skills firsthand. Therefore, risk taking to me is always a gain. You either end up not liking it, but you still learn something about it, or you absolutely enjoy the entire journey, and you have nothing to lose.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My artwork ranges from mixed-media painting to photography & digital art. I combine traditional and modern elements with an eclectic genre. You can always taste the mixture of eastern and western cultures in my art. I think it might be related to my background – I was born in France, raised in Taiwan, and have resided in Southern California since 2009. I grew up in a multilingual environment with my dad being an opera singer, an English teacher, and a jeweler. My parents spoke French, Mandarin, and Taiwanese to my brother and I. My early childhood was all about the arts and languages. I started to show interest in drawing at age 6 and receive extensive training on all kinds of art techniques. I also went to art-focused schools from 3rd to 9th grade, and those years helped me develop solid skills and foundation on realistic style. My artwork was gradually influenced by surrealism, and then I got accepted into National Normal Taiwan University Fine Arts major. During my college years, I worked as an art tutor and illustrator for toy companies. Later on, among many different mainstream and popular choices, I chose my emphasis on Chinese painting and eventually completed my B.F.A degree. I never regret my decision because teaching contemporary Chinese calligraphy is still my niche and strongest suit nowadays. I have been invited to various places to demonstrate my sophisticated yet refreshed teaching of this cultural heritage to both Chinese and non-Chinese communities. My experiences have led me towards building deeper connections with people mostly from a diverse upbringing. What’s more interesting is that I also have a master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Therefore, I have been serving in the fields of art and international education for more than a decade. It was not always easy, but it was rewarding to witness my students grow into creative young adults and globalized citizens. Now I am transitioning into a freelancer, I feel like a student instead of a teacher, stepping out of my comfort zone in order to develop new skill sets while remaining my passion for versatility. I am humbled and grateful for every of my unique chapter of life. I am looking forward to more adventures in the days to come!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a bilingual person, I will definitely take my best friends to my favorite Taiwanese breakfast/brunch place: Yi Mei in Chino Hills. My husband enjoys listening to me order his favorite food in Mandarin. Then I will take them to the clinic where I work as a Front Desk: Well Family Acupuncture & Herbs in Chino. This is such a special place to me because I documented my healing journey with photography and artwork there during my recovery from a severe chronic pain and condition. I will showcase my artwork in the ALTA Arts Open Studios on June 1 & 2, 2024. Next, I will take my best friends to visit the next door – OBI Art Academy, where I get to work with the most talented teachers and students in town. Moreover, I will take them to Claremont Packing House, where Studio Claremont I work for is located in. The whole shopping area has the most artistic stores, delicious restaurants, and thriving businesses in my opinion! There are often art festivals and events there. Benton Museum of Art with walking distance is also my all-time favorite. Granite Creek Community Church about 5 minute drive from it has the most loving people I know, who will give my besties the most welcoming hospitality. Last but not least, if there happens to be good movies to watch, I will take them to AMC DINE-IN movie theatre in Montclair that never disappoints!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a big shoutout to my two queens: Karla Kelman & Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey. Karla is the founder of the all-female artist group La Femme Artiste, and she has believed in me since day one. I was a high school art teacher who felt that I didn’t make any difference at that time. However, she not only recognized my artwork and my gift for teaching, but she also insisted that I participated in La Femme Artiste’s art shows. The opportunities she provided for me and my students were abundant and enjoyable, plus I have learned so much event planning ideas and strategies from her. And that’s how I met Clarissa, my mentor, who nominated me to Shoutout LA! Clarissa gave me so much exposure to a whole new world: career coaching, leaving 9 to 5, and creating a slashie lifestyle for artists like me. She has invited me to workshops, exhibitions, gatherings, and summits for even more networking experiences. Without these two role models, I wouldn’t be where I am and who I am today! Thank you queens!!!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacqui.wolf.art.studio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacqui.wolf.art.studio/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jacqui.Wolf.Art.Studio

Image Credits
Matthew Herrera Tyler Gibson Nicole Jaramillo Marbella Jaramillo Jacqui Wolf David Chang Kevin Chiang