Today we’d like to introduce you to Wolfie Luin
Hi Wolfie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Artistic expression has always been at the forefront of my life. I spent most of my youth sewing, making jewelry, painting, writing and singing. Although I utilize many mediums, I’ve always felt most drawn to textiles and clothing as a form of artistry, expression and storytelling.
While working on my degree in costume design at BGSU I was hired as the Costume Designer and UPM on a feature film with a crew out of Los Angeles. After we wrapped I dropped out of school, moved to LA and hit the ground running. Once word got out that I was a skilled seamstress I had more work than I could handle. Within four months I was renting a studio space with a fellow designer and seamstress and we were able to hire some of the most talented seamstresses I’ve ever met to work with us.
We worked with A list celebrities on the daily and were always doing custom pieces for film, theatre, commercials, print, TV and the red carpet. The days were long and draining, and the boundaries were non-existant. I learned a lot about myself and the business and was able to expand my sewing skills and knowledge in ways I couldn’t have otherwise. After a couple of years I knew it was time to get back to nature, regulate my nervous system and fine tune how I showed up in the world. I spent a few years grounding, dabbling and moving around the west coast and eventually found myself in Nashville.
It wasn’t long after my arrival that I was inspired to sew again; something that hadn’t happened since I left LA. I was apprehensive and knew that for me to be successful and in alignment with my true self I had to pursue the path of an artist while maintaining healthy boundaries and a work/life balance.
I started to dip my toes back in with that intention in mind and the aligned people, places and opportunities began to present themselves. After three years of leaning in and trusting, I’m collaborating with artists of all different mediums on everything from music videos, photoshoots, custom stage ware, commercials, set design, textile installations and immersive art experiences.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth and for that I am grateful. I’ve sold everything I’ve owned, started new careers and moved to new states only to do it all over again before the year was out. I’ve felt ungrounded, lost and confused, but that’s the journey and the beauty of being a creator. You get to crash, burn, dream, create, learn to listen and identify what is and isn’t for you.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a multidimensional artist. I create with whatever mediums call to me, whether it’s woodworking, paint, jewelry, styling, fashion design or world building. I go through seasons where it’s more of one thing than the other, but I would say without a doubt that textiles always find their way in to my visions. There’s something about the flow of fabric that really does it for me. Whether it’s draped across a stage, a room or the body; the inspiration there is endless.
When it comes to fashion, I love creating custom pieces that pull out the weird, wild and authentic aspects of people’s personalities and have been known for my avant garde customs. I’ve been styling and designing for Gyasi for a couple of years now and did a custom outfit for his Bonnaroo performance that is a good example of this. We melded our minds together and I designed and constructed a two piece spandex suit complete with a tearaway neck ruff and a tearaway quilted satin cape. It’s pretty epic.
Hand beading is also one of my fortes and I have worked on some truly remarkable pieces for the red carpet and film. In 2014 I rebeaded a gown of Swarovski crystals for Angelina Jolie’s Oscar look. The crystals were so heavy that the gown either had to by laying flat or on her, to keep from shredding. It was absolutely stunning.
Outside of fashion, I’m the event coordinator for MOCAN (Museum of Contemporary Art Nashville) and we recently hosted and a luminescence themed dinner experience at Golden Pony. The guest list was comprised of creatives from all backgrounds and mediums that were invited to attend dressed in luminescence inspired cocktail attire. Every aspect of the experience was curated from the decor, food, lighting and the music that ebbed and flowed throughout the course of the evening. We premiered a short film by CJ Overton and I created an immersive art installation in the VIP room where guests could sit and experience the installation complete with sound, light and scent from a tufted couch. The entire night was an absolute dream.
I think that’s something that sets me apart. My ability to dream, bring those dreams into fruition and help articulate the dreams of others. Maybe that’s what my roll is overall; to be witnessed as the dreamer and to collaborate with/inspire others to do the same.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Learning that nothing is worth the cost of your health or happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wolfieluin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/w_o_l_f_i_e___?igsh=ZDZiMmI0M2Fld2sy&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://mocanashville.org
