women’s motorcyclist, artist, works with wolves.
meet Genevieve + check out our interview below.

where do you live?

I live in Altadena, California. I grew up in Minnesota, and moved to the LA area four years ago. I’m SO grateful to have found Altadena, the San Gabriel Mountains are my backyard, and probably what has kept me here this entire time. Altadena has a very small-town feeling, as well as a lovely community – while still being close to the city for events and goings-on. I now consider this town and Angeles National Forest to be my home.

when did you begin making art?

Before I have conscious memories. It’s the only thing that I have been doing as long as I have. My mom and I used to draw these simplified, geometric mice together when I was small, and into my adult years we drew them on notes and cards for one other. After I went on the art school and whatnot, she always said, “the mice started it all!” I now have said mice tattooed on my arm!

where did your inspiration come from to start wild dogs co.?

Several sources combined, really! For as long as I can remember, I have always had a passion for non-human animals, especially wolves and other apex predators. I began working as an activist for the protection of wild wolves when I lived in Minnesota, and upon moving to California started to volunteer for Wolf Connection, a non-profit wolf and wolfdog sanctuary, I now work there on a weekly basis. This, paired with my knowledge of illustration and passion for motorcycles – became Wild Dogs Co. I spent many years working for others as an illustrator and designer, and it was just time to break away on my own. Another element that has worked its way into Wild Dogs is a bit of feminist one, this was spawned from my years in the motorcycle community, the vast inequalities and double-standards I experience. Also, check my blog in a week or so for the origin of the NAME of my company!

what is your favorite part about working with wolves?

The humility I receive. Wolves are not dogs, and they do not act like dogs (similarities, yes – but vast differences). They carry great selflessness, self-awareness, and respect. They don’t respond to the same antics as dogs do due to their innate neoteny. The wolves have taught me how to move through pain and fear with dignity and grace, in a way that humans never could. Their great connection to the earth and one another is a force I never dreamed existed.

how did you meet other women who ride in LA?

I met a lot of them through working for Harley-Davidson, which I would certainly say was one the highlights of that job. Being the only female salesperson was rough, but it also gave women who came into the dealership a beacon of safety, which I am honored to have been able to provide. Prior to that, honestly – Instagram! I made a couple friends with women who ride in passing, and the rest was a natural progression. I love Instagram for this and many other reasons (NET NEUTRALITY MUST BE PROTECTED).

what bike do you ride?

I ride a 2000 Harley-Davidson Dyna Lowrider. It’s heavy, powerful, loud, classy, old yet reliable – I can go as fast as I want, but it’s ideal for cruising my mountain roads and desert highways. I kind of ended up with a stereotypical Dyna set-up, but that is simply a popular style due to the comfort. One day I hope I can have a really sick Pan or Shovel project, but right now I can only afford one bike – and I want in one piece and running! 😉

what are you most excited for in 2018?

Honestly, a couple things – namely, for my business. I have a couple new designs in the works that I am very inspired by, and I think people may enjoy them as well! I also plan to do some more philanthropic work through Wild Dogs, we just completed a fundraiser for relief efforts from the Thomas Fire, and I have to say – ain’t no feeling like the one I got from that. I also just got a new gig with Dainese Settantadue (Dainese’s new 70’s throwback line www.dainesesettantadue.com), a great honor and privilege, and I am beyond thrilled to start work with them.

where can people get your swag?

wilddogsco.com – but follow us on IG to see where our next pop-up is! We’ve been averaging 2-4 a month, and usually have some special stuff that isn’t listed on the website!