Maja Wolf

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Can you share how your upbringing in Grudziądz, Poland, influenced your journey into the world of art?

Quiet, well-behaved children often have a rich inner life. 

What is not visible on the outside, they express through art. 

I was such a child. My passion for drawing and painting was supported by my teachers and parents, even though no one in my family was an artist. 

This is how my adventure with art began.

Maja Wolf | One sec From Dusk Till Down | 2024

What inspired you to pursue surrealism as your primary artistic expression?

The art that made the greatest impression on me as a child was surrealism, particularly the works of artists such as Salvador Dalí, Wojciech Siudmak, and Jacek Yerka.

How do you develop the ideas for your surreal paintings? What role does imagination play in your creative process?

Travel is currently my greatest inspiration.

That is why I often travel, explore, observe, and taste. Then I put these experiences on paper.

Imagination is a basic tool in my work. It can also be developed through practice. 

People say that practice makes perfect, and I am an example of this.

Maja Wolf | Lucky swallows | 2024

Can you describe the techniques and materials you most enjoy using in your work?

I specialize in drawing with pencils and pastel crayons. In painting, I currently prefer to use the oil technique.

What motivated you to open Maya Gallery in Toruń, and how has it evolved since 2009?

The turning point in my professional career was moving to Torun. 

During this time, I received a lot of orders in my studio. 

I wanted to help my fellow artists sell their art and surround myself with the work of various creators.

I organized exhibitions and got to know more and more new artists. 

However, running an art gallery in Poland is a very difficult challenge, especially if you have no experience. 

The market is very unstable and sensitive to any economic turmoil.

That is why I decided that the Maya gallery must have income from various sources. 

I painted pictures, drew portraits and caricatures, sold art by other artists, organized exhibitions, framed pictures, led drawing lessons and painting workshops. 

Thanks to this, I gained a lot of experience.

Over time, I decided to limit my activities. 

For several years now, I have been focusing on my work again, and the gallery is transforming into more of an author’s gallery. 

I only work with a small group of artist friends.

I do what gives me the greatest satisfaction and am achieving greater and greater success.

I’m happy.

Maja Wolf | From Down to Dusk | 2023

How do you guide young artists to discover and develop their unique artistic voices?

For many years, I have helped my students: children, young people preparing for university, and adults by running workshops, consultations, competitions, and plein air sessions. 

Over 300 people have passed through my studio!

I helped artists who already had their own style and were starting their careers to enter the art market and sell their paintings.

Several talented Polish artists made their debut with an exhibition in my gallery.

I am currently preparing online courses that will be available soon. I am also writing an e-book to guide beginner artists who would like to become professionals.

I used to give people fish; today, I prefer to give them a fishing rod.

Maja Wolf | Black Pearl | 2023

What message or emotion do you aim to convey through your surreal works?

The thought that constantly accompanies me while creating is the transience of the moment—the passage of time, changeability, and fluidity. 

Life consists of moments, small pleasures, and remembered images. I would like to hold on to them forever, to capture the world as it is in my imagination, because in a moment it will disappear…