Wendy S. Rolfe creates with a unique visual vocabulary and creative juxtapositions. Her oil paintings are influenced by her early studies in Philosophy, Psychology and Religion, particularly the Desert Fathers of the third century wisdom tradition with a small emphasis on Platonism and Freud.  Rolfe was effected by her travels throughout Europe, Mexico and Central America . She writes, “Latin culture, specifically the Christian elements in combination with psychology play a significant role in my work.’’  

Rolfe is passionate about concepts that challenge the imagination and the potential of the subconscious mind in dreams for hidden truths. Often this understanding requires a leap of faith, visually and spiritually. Rolfe develops prolific and personal symbols within her painting language which, she insists, must be processed through each viewer’s own life experiences and attitudes. Rolfe studied at The Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Parsons School of Design in New York and Le Atelier D’ Etampe in Paris. She executed many commissioned pieces for corporations in the 90’s, particularly in New York City, Southern California and the Southwest.

Wendy has been featured in many solo exhibitions throughout the Midwest, New York City and Southern California.  Her work has won numerous first place awards and is in the collections of the Bank of Scotland, Merrill Lynch, American Stock Exchange, Dean Witter Reynolds, C.S. Heinze Foundation, Farm Bureau Financial Services as well as the Museum collection of Iowa State University.

Rolfe has maintained a 14 year commitment as a board member to the nonprofit company, Voices Productions, heading up PR graphics and as well as running the highly popular Voices Art Slam to college art students and working closely with exhibiting artists. Voices Productions funds and art directs a mural project which brings international and professional mural paintings to Dubuque walls.  

During the time away from her studio, Rolfe returned to school to study Graphic Design which has refreshed and empowered her return to painting.

“Rolfe’s heavily symbolist, Giorgionesque female nudes in lush, liturgical landscapes, recall the brilliant and bizarre paintings of Philipp Otto Runge.  For all the panels’ eclecticism, Rolfe’s accomplished technique and skill as a colorist and draughtsman present the viewer with lucid, cohesive images that veil personal meaning, yet still convey the human aspiration that shaped them”

-Richard Tobin, The Magazine, Santa Fe