The Artistic Journey of Greta Waller: Balancing Emergency Medicine and Painting

Greta Waller, a 42-year-old paramedic and emerging artist based in South Los Angeles, navigates the complexities of her dual career, balancing the demands of emergency medical work with her passion for painting. Waller's artistic journey is marked by her unique approach to observational painting, which she likens to her experiences in the field as a paramedic.

Financial Times

Waller moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to study at the University of California, Los Angeles. Initially working in a pizza restaurant, she was inspired to pursue a career in emergency medicine after witnessing ambulances rushing by. This decision led her to a fulfilling yet challenging role as a paramedic, which she has maintained since 2015.

Financial Times

Waller's artistic practice is deeply rooted in her experiences as a paramedic. She describes painting as a disciplined process akin to her medical work, emphasizing the importance of observation and efficiency. “You have your tools, you have your procedure,” she explains, highlighting the parallels between treating patients and capturing scenes on canvas. Her subjects range from still lifes to cityscapes, with a particular fascination for ice, which she describes as a "portal into abstraction."

Financial Times

Despite her passion for both art and medicine, Waller faces significant challenges. She recently resigned from her paramedic position due to pregnancy, a decision influenced by the demanding nature of her job and the need to maintain good standing within the fire department. Critics may argue that the emotional toll of her work could impact her artistic output; however, Waller dismisses this notion, stating that her greatest challenges stem from the logistical demands of her job rather than emotional scars.

Financial Times

Waller articulates her artistic philosophy, stating, “I paint ice because it’s a portal into abstraction.” She views her work as a reflection of the fleeting nature of life, often capturing subjects that change rapidly, such as seaweed or ice. Her ambition is to explore abstraction further, aiming to create large-scale paintings of electrocardiogram printouts from her medical work.

Financial Times

• “I have to do it. I won’t be well, I’ll be irritated, if I don’t do it.” — Greta Waller, Artist and Paramedic

Financial Times

• “You cannot get tunnel vision. You have to treat the whole.” — Greta Waller, on parallels between painting and emergency medicine

Financial Times

• “It changes to that crispy-looking seaweed in, like, 20 seconds.” — Greta Waller, on the challenges of her subjects

Financial Times

Waller's work will be showcased at Frieze Los Angeles, where she aims to present her unique blend of subjects that reflect both her artistic vision and her experiences as a paramedic. The exhibition will feature her latest pieces, including still lifes and cityscapes, further establishing her presence in the contemporary art scene.

Financial Times