Molly was born and raised in Irvine, California and graduated with a B.A. in Studio Art from Azusa Pacific University in 2010. She currently resides in San Luis Obispo, California with her husband and son.
Molly’s acrylic collage paintings combine the micro and macro perspectives of a landscape through aerial photography and local plant life. By observing both the natural world and man-made structures that surround her, she explores the healing power of paying attention in a world full of distraction.
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Artist Statement
When a tragedy struck, I found myself spending a lot of time in airplanes crossing the country to see my family. From 40,000 feet above, anxiety, fear and grief became less consuming. From this perspective, the contrast between the natural and human-made landscapes sparked wonder and curiosity.
With my feet were firmly planted back on the ground, I started paying more attention to everyday beauty. I witnessed the tension existing between native, alien, and invasive plants in urban spaces. From trees that sprout like weeds between buildings, to ancient cactuses on road sides, to majestic palms – each plant has a story and a place in the world.
These shifting perspectives, between the grandiose and the mundane, find their way into my paintings. Beginning with a photograph snapped from the window seat of the plane, the scene, however dynamic, serves as a backdrop to the foliage found in the area. From there, I create layers using different mediums and bold colors to depict the diverse elements of each landscape - from tiny roads and buildings to large-scale flora - pushing and pulling the focus for the viewer.
Just like the plants, each painting has a story. They are seasons within my own journey of healing, a journey I now get to share with others. I hope to share these perspectives, offering a different way to view where you live, where you travel and how you engage with both the natural and urban structures that surround us.
Drop me a line! mollypaulick@gmail.com