Geneva Boliek-Poling is a visual artist emerging from the University of New Mexico’s Art & Ecology department. Geneva solidified her affection for the southwest through horseback riding and painting along the Rio Grande. Spending her summers at Ghost Ranch, she was influenced by Georgia O’Keeffe’s bones, flowers, and desert-woman grit. She currently continues her exploration of art and nature in Santa Fe where she hikes as often as possible, gathering visual souvenirs to translate into paintings, drawings, and a new project with lithography.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Corrales, New Mexico.
What is your favorite thing about New Mexico?
I love the quality of light here and the way it is constantly manipulating the landscape and sky. I’ve lived in New Mexico my whole life and those sunsets still make my jaw drop.
Why are you interested in interning at Southwest Contemporary?
I’ve been a reader since I moved to Santa Fe a few years ago. I pick it up every month to see what’s going on in town and what I don’t want to miss. It’s great to see something that is supporting local artists and I’m a big fan of that.
What do you hope to learn during your internship?
I’m looking forward to learning how it culminates behind the scenes to produce a unique take on the art world each month. I’m excited to be part of the collaborative process and dip my feet into that community.
What else are you looking forward to this year?
Cooler weather! I’m looking forward to hiking Wheeler Peak in the early fall and hoping to get a few other hikes in before it snows.
