Cecelia Wilken

AQ is our series of hardcover catalogs celebrating extraordinary women artists. Available on Amazon. Visit the AQ Catalog Webpage to learn more.

Cecelia (CeCe) Wilken, featured in AQ Volume VII, is a self-taught traditional artist based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She grew up captivated by “fringe society,” gravitating toward the strange, unusual, and macabre. These early fascinations and personal traumas shaped her acceptance of life’s uncomfortable truths. Her early exposure to alternative perspectives, along with her journey with chronic pain, depression, trauma, and anxiety, has profoundly influenced her artistic vision. Cecelia’s work embraces themes of death, decay, and nature’s bittersweet beauty, offering a poignant exploration of complex emotions and human vulnerabilities. Her art invites viewers to reflect with tenderness and introspect on their own challenging or melancholy experiences.

After graduating from high school, she joined the US Army as a combat medic, hoping to help others around the globe. However, after sustaining an injury, she was separated from her service. Following the welcoming of her first child and struggles with her chronic disability, Cecelia faced a challenging period of self-discovery. With encouragement from loved ones and through therapy, she rekindled her passion for art, transforming it from a childhood hobby into a professional pursuit. Over the past decade, she has exhibited her work in galleries and expos nationwide, as well as in international group exhibitions.

When she is not creating, she enjoys exploring the world with her family, gardening, reading, and spending time with her friends. Her journey as an artist continues to reflect her resilience and unique perspective, creating art that resonates deeply with viewers worldwide.


Visit Cecelia Wilken’s website