In today’s Griffin State of Mind we speak to Erica Frisk about her project documenting the wolf sanctuary, Wolf Hollow’s in Ipswich, Masachusetts. The photographs were recently exhibited in the 2024 edition of our public outdoor exhibition, Vision(ary): Portraits of Communities, Cultures and Environments. An interview with the artist follows.
While pursuing her undergraduate degrees in photography and art history at Massachusetts College of Art & Design, Erica Frisk traveled to Guatemala to study Mayan art and architecture with researchers and historians in the field. This immersive experience sparked her love of travel and learning about unique cultures and history. After earning her BFA, she continued to travel through Central and South America, creating visual storytelling projects. Her photographs have been exhibited in solo and group art exhibitions throughout the US as well as in online & print publications. Her photographic work was also featured in the PBS Documentary: American Portrait (I Work) with a focus on labor unions. Frisk’s most recent projects explore local storytelling in New England as well as Iceland & Croatia. She has been working with youth in traditional school settings, as well as arts-based community and museum programs in Boston for over 10 years. Erica Frisk is a National Geographic Certified Instructor who aims to teach students about the world in innovative and interdisciplinary ways while cultivating the Explorer Mindset.
Website: www.ericafrisk.com
Instagram: @ericafriskphoto
What initially drew you to Wolf’s Hollow to document the story of wolves in the Northeastern United States?
As both an artist and educator, I’ve always been drawn to opportunities to combine visuals and learning, especially if it involves engaging with something in our own communities.
I’ve led two National Geographic Photo Workshops in Yellowstone National Park for high school students where we observed and photographed wildlife in their natural habitat. The students and I observed a pack of wolves from a far while learning about their reintroduction into the park. I was inspired by that experience to begin this project to further explore and share the significance of wolf conservation and the beauty of these remarkable creatures.
My connection with Zee Soffren, the Wolf Hollow’s owner, initially drew me in. Having known Zee for a few years and visited the sanctuary multiple times, I felt compelled to capture Wolf Hollow through my lens. The sanctuary’s unwavering dedication to educating the public and their compassionate care of these amazing creatures is truly inspiring. Wolf Hollow not only provides a safe haven for wolves but also fosters a deeper understanding of our environmental responsibilities.
Could you describe the sanctuary for us?
Wolf Hollow is a small sanctuary surrounded by fields with a backdrop of forests in the far distance. The sanctuary itself has many fences running along the front as well as in the surrounding areas as these are the wolf enclosures. It is well protected and showcases thoughtful use of the land to give enough space for each of the wolf packs. As you walk through the entrance, you have a meeting spot with education materials where the tours typically begin followed by a board walk to the enclosures. Through the fences, you’re able to see each of the wolves inside their enclosures before sitting in a covered area for the educational discussion often given by Zee Soffron along with a question and answer section of the tour.
What’s the first step you take to immerse yourself in the environment and prepare for a day of photographing these animals?
I usually arrive early and scout different scenes in each location that I am photographing. I didn’t only want to capture just the Wolf sanctuary, but also the landscape around it which gives us a greater sense of place. Ipswich is a coastal town with many wetlands as well as fields and forests. I was trying to imagine what life would be like for these wolves if they lived in this area.
Back at Wolf Hollow, Zee walked me around the sanctuary and gave me the opportunity for the wolves to get used to my presence. Wolves are very sensitive to new individuals and smell. So we wanted the wolves to get used to me moving around near the enclosures. Once that was established, I could begin photographing more up close than a typical visitor.
What sparked your interest in exploring the significance of wolf sanctuaries, particularly their role in preserving biodiversity?
What sparked my interest with this type of work began with a deep fascination for wildlife and a growing awareness of the environmental challenges they face. Wolves, as apex predators, play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems. By studying and documenting sanctuaries like Wolf Hollow, I aim to highlight their importance not just as safe havens for these animals but as key players in conservation efforts. These sanctuaries help educate the public, foster a greater appreciation for wildlife, and contribute to broader initiatives to protect and restore natural habitats. Understanding the pivotal role of wolves in their ecosystems can inspire collective action to preserve biodiversity and ensure a healthier environment for all species.
What could you tell us about the impact of their absence of wolves in the Northeast and sanctuaries in general?
The absence of wolves in the Northeast has had significant ecological impacts. Their removal from the Northeast and the rest of the US has led to an overpopulation of deer and other herbivores, which in turn caused extensive damage to vegetation and disrupted the entire food chain. This imbalance affects not just plant life but also other animal species dependent on healthy habitats.
Sanctuaries like Wolf Hollow help address these issues by offering a refuge for wolves that have been injured, and educating the public about their importance. They serve as living examples of how these animals contribute to ecological stability. By raising awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of wolves, sanctuaries support broader conservation efforts aimed at restoring these predators to their natural habitats. Additionally, sanctuaries play a crucial role in researching and advocating for the reintroduction of wolves into areas where they have been absent, which can ultimately help restore ecological health and resilience.
What is something that has deeply moved you about conservation efforts and human-wildlife interactions?
At sanctuary I wanted to capture portraits of each of the wolves as well as the people that engage with them each day. What is unique about Wolf Hollow is that the Zee and his team are physically present in the habitats with the animals and have developed relationships with each of the wolves.
Because they are able to be with the wolves in their enclosures, they’re able to demonstrate many of the behaviors and physical attributes of the wolves. As visitors, they’re able to learn about the different wolf species as well as how they behave in their environments and with each other. Zee is able to create a immersive experience for the viewers while at the same time educating them on conservation and wolves as a part of a greater ecosystem.
Finally, how has Wolf Hollow’s mission of rewilding deepened your understanding of conservation efforts?
Rewilding, as exemplified by the mission of Wolf Hollow, has profoundly deepened my understanding of conservation efforts. I see how it highlights the importance of restoring natural processes and habitats to reestablish ecological balance and biodiversity. I’ve observed how Wolf Hollow’s commitment to this concept underscored the interconnectedness of all species. This approach demonstrates that effective conservation goes beyond protecting individual species – it involves a holistic effort to revive entire ecosystems and foster a greater appreciation and respect for nature. This is deeply impactful to see happening and to be able to communicate and share with a wider audience through my photographs.
As our day at Wolf Hollow concludes, could you share a memorable encounter or discovery that has impacted your perspective on the importance of preserving wolf populations and their ecosystems?
While photographing the wolves at Wolf Hollow, I had a memorable experience with Akela, the alpha male. He approached me and positioned himself between me and the rest of the pack, a gesture Zee explained as his way of asserting dominance and “protecting his pack” from the unfamiliar presence of a visitor.
As the photographer, this unexpected encounter offered me a unique opportunity to capture Akela up close. I was able to observe his facial expressions, the subtle movements of his ears, and the texture of his winter coat, which was in the process of shedding—a rare sight that would be difficult to encounter in the wild. Seeing Akela up close was both powerful and moving – not only his presence, but also the depth of his gaze. For me, this encounter underscored the profound power and elegance of wolves as they command both respect and admiration.
It was truly an amazing experience photographing these wolves, ultimately creating a visual narrative that highlights their essential place in our ecosystem. My hope is that these images can inspire greater support for efforts to protect their natural habitats and ensure their continued survival. The work that Wolf Hollow does underscores the interconnectedness of our ecosystem, reminding us all of the vital role each of us plays in nurturing and protecting our natural world.
