A Look Inside Multi-disciplinary Artist Wohivia’s Creations

From Surreal Melted Candle Wax Shoes, Sickening Dead Fish, To The Oversaturation Of Art On Social Media

Wohivia (@wohiviacreates) is a UK multi-disciplinary artist who possesses an enriched creative career at just 27 years old. Her portfolio consists of an array of surreal, maximalist, and trendy concepts whether that be brat-inspired editorial shoots with names like Lara Adkins or showcasing her very own crystal-centered designs at London Fashion Week 2023. Wohivia has mastered the art of freaky props sharing behind the scenes videos of creations such as melting candle wax stompers or even photographing eccentric-styled women with dead fish. If anyone is looking for their mind to be flooded with beautiful and weird imagery of extraterrestrial and ethereal models and backgrounds, Wohivia provides just that. 

For many creatives, there can be a pressure to imagine new and exciting projects in a climate where so much information and inspiration is accessible to all of us. The over-saturation of art on social media can leave artists feeling overwhelmed or perhaps even deflated at the thought of executing something original. It’s more important now than ever to stay true to your artistic vision while being transparent in a world, where polarizing tools like ai-art are on the rise. 

What’s your name, where are you from, where are you based and what do you do?

My name is Olivia Ann Wolstenholme, Liv for short and my artist name is Wohivia- which is a combination of my first and last name. 

I’m originally from Rotherham, in Yorkshire- a small town outside of Sheffield, UK. However I made the move to London for work and I now live in East London. I’m a multi-disciplinary artist and have acquired many skills over the years I’ve worked in the industry. My skills lay within Creative Direction, Styling, Fashion Design and Production.  

How did you evolve from studying fashion in university to working in art direction and styling for shoots?

I studied in Manchester, UK. I actually studied Buying & Merchandising- lockdown helped me develop my skills into design work which then shaped additionally into styling and directing very quickly after lockdown finished. I am a self-taught & educated artist. 

Describe your aesthetic to readers who are not familiar with your art.

Art to escape the mundanes of reality, dreamlike and surrealism/ maximalism aesthetics. 

At first glance, your art is extremely evocative, vibrant, and freaky. What other artists, films, or even music inspire you when creating these whacky concepts?

I love this question! I get inspired by lots of different elements of day to day life but also content I absorb that I turn into individual ideas. I take a lot of inspiration from classic films, particularly 80s and 90s films for example - Lost Boys, Death Becomes Her, Girl Interrupted and so on. I like to take elements from films I watch or music I listen to and turn those into visuals. Music wise I could hear a word or a sound that I then transfer into my own art work. 

There are some incredible artists on the scene at the moment, I’m heavily inspired by many and feel motivated when looking at lots of people’s amazing work. There are too many to name but a handful would be- @_magda__ @rafaelapestritu @mashapopovap @dilarafindikoglu @thestylefreed

There are so many obscure photoshoots and costume designs on your instagram, like the candle wax upcycled shoes. Where did an idea like that even come from?

I decided I wanted to do a vampire shoot for Halloween and moodboarded all the imagery that reminded me of a hypothetical vampire, within this I had long candles- not entirely sure why, they just give me a spooky vibe! 

I had some old boots with platforms that I’d used in a shoot before so I was looking for a way to re-purpose those and give them new life. I thought it would be a new idea to light the candles on set and have them actually lit during the shots. 

Is there a worry that everything has already been created, especially with the rise of AI art?

I think it’s a fine line, I do work with AI sometimes. However this is rare and I think it's important to differ from full AI shoots and to share real life videos, as to what has been created in person.

Do you feel pressure to keep outdoing yourself and providing a shock factor through your art?

Absolutely not. I don’t share for others approval, more for my own portfolio and keep pleasing my own artistic needs to be fulfilled as an artist.

What has been one of your proudest or “pinch-me” moments in your career so far?

Definitely my London Fashion Week debut a few years back as a designer.

Are there any exciting upcoming projects you can share with us?

I cannot say too much, but this week I have been working on two stand out gala looks that are being worn at Guap Gala. It's really exciting and I have lots more risky and eccentric work to come.

Written By Alex Kelleher (@alex_kelleher_)

Edited By Niall Carey (@niall.030)