Molly Perez
Originally from Sacramento California, I was raised in a house of an art curator and collector. My mother supervised exhibitions for Contemporary California Native American Art. Living amongst extraordinarily diverse art works along with a family affiliation with the Crocker Art Museum, my studies began early. I received a split emphasis degree in sculpture and painting from California State University Chico. The majority of my studies there were spent in the sculpture department. After being accepted into the BFA program I left school before completing it. I was restless and wanted to pursue life and art outside academia.
My process begins with salvaging material. I collect discarded books, newsprint, wallpaper and scrap books; some of which contain century old paper. I rip, tear and cut each piece deliberately. I work intuitively with an immediate and raw quality.
I strive to be an open book in terms of technique. I’m always fascinated with artists considered ‘primitive’ or ‘outsider’. I have awed their ability to create work with a sincere desire and visual language of the soul. Every piece I make is in pursuit of innovation through process. Starting with a painting in acrylic I create a color field to inform the paper I choose. The images are rooms that I fill with color and texture through deconstruction of books and tearing or cutting paper. I strive to work a balance between control and allowing the materials to present ideas or reveal their own nature. It’s there that I discover new things that drive my process.
In 2007 I acquired a shared studio space/gallery in Santa Rosa California. For seven years I focused on developing and selling my work, hosting events & Art openings. I began showing with Place Contemporary (Seattle based Gallery) in 2010 reaching art collectors in New York and Seattle via AAF ( Affordable Art Fair) I have participated in commissioned projects in Seattle, Taos, and locally. I have work in Collage Museum in Santa Fe created & curated by artist Cecil Touchon. My wholehearted objective is to reach people in my community to further my pursuit of art making.
I share a business in Healdsburg CA, JAM JAR. It grew from my working studio and collaboration with business partner & life long friend Jaime Jean. We have been in business for over a decade selling our own work and representing local makers and others from around the country. Because of the support from our amazing community we have been able to continue & impart our love of art and the handmade in spite of fires, floods, and pandemic.
— Molly Perez
