We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful B.a. Wikoff. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with B.A. below.

B.A., looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project is always the one I’m currently working on. Recently, I’ve been developing a series of screen prints focusing on the evolution of repetitive marks created through generations of prints. The series is centered around the existence of black-and-white thinking. Black-and-white thinking is a term used to describe a pattern of cognitive distortion where the mind thinks in absolutes rather than accepting that the decisions and choices surrounding them can appear more abstract. I was inspired by how these thoughts developed over time. What did they look like? Is there a gray area? How is this “gray area” created? I began by self-reflecting. I started investigating where that pattern started within myself, how I thought it was created, and how it would evolve.

The split fountain technique inspired this series! A split fountain is a screen-printing technique used to create seamless gradients. I chose to screen print these pieces with house paint on a material that replicated a skin-like material, referring to our inherent humanity. From there, my process relied on how the paint was transferred.

. I started this process by printing the first layer on a screen. After that, every layer was transferred through a line of stamping/ rubbing technique that allowed the wet paint to be printed onto another piece of material within its group, each receiving marks that mirrored what was just printed on the leading print. This allowed the layers to blend and communicate in a generational chain. I continued this process until the patterns established new shades of gray.
This series has evolved from simply portraying the black-and-white perspective into a personal lesson about navigating different generational perspectives over time. These pieces have been showcased in locations such as Tampa, FL, Ybor City, Sanibel Island, FL, and more. I am excited to share that I have been selected by The Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda, Florida, as a guest artist to display a new generation of prints in the Wyvern Hotel Lobby starting in February 2025. All of the pieces will be for sale!

I want to send a big thank you to the Visual Art Center Team and thank you to the Wyvern Hotel!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Florida-based contemporary artist specializing in meaning-making and problem-solving.
My artistic practice departs from the conventional style of artmaking as I construct my concepts through abstract, collaborative, and interdisciplinary styles. My practice is unique in how I involve my audience in my process. Whether collecting data from secondary media sources or engaging individuals with surveys and interviews, these collaborative practices are designed to stimulate a response in those who experience my work, making them an integral part of the artistic process.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal when creating my pieces is to ensure there is always a collaborative element, whether that be within the materials or the process or even inviting participants into my process. I always seek ways to collaborate with my mediums, concepts, and community.
My target audience is directed towards anyone open and willing to watch, listen, and learn. My mission is to be as inclusive as possible when implementing my process. I want to grace my audience with an opportunity to reform their understanding of what their role is. By involving them in my process, I am using these collaborative efforts to start a conversation. Art can emit its power through the eyes of the artist and the viewer. Making art is a team relationship between me and my audience.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, creating reaches beyond just the process of making something for others to observe and enjoy. I use it as an educational motive for myself, which I use to evaluate personal choices. Most recently, I created these large abstract drawings that existed solely to allow me to fill space. I encouraged myself to make a new mark daily and allowed myself to fill space without judgment, purpose, or meaning. Over time, the act of drawing became a daily meditative exercise where I started to identify personal mantras as I drew:
“Every mark ignites change. Change is hard to accept. Even if it’s deliberate. ”
” Not every mark has a purpose, but every mark deserves to exist.”
“Obsessing and overworking past decisions only makes them appear darker.”

This exercise taught me how to regain that creative spirit, consistency, balance, and even how to accomplish joy! I still utilize it! To answer the question, what is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist? It’s overcoming any challenge creatively. That is how I operate, how I’m built, and who I am.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bawikoff.art/
• Instagram: @b.a._wikoff
• Other: https://www.bawikoff.art/join-the-artist