Hilary Baker Ojai, CA Age 75
What keeps you excited in the studio? Continuing with my ongoing series along with completing several projects in the works.
Looking back at your trajectory as an artist, how would you say your work has developed? As I matured, so did the focus of my work, my subject matter and my methodology. I paid close attention along the way to the ideas that made their way into my art. I am affected by my surroundings, so whenever I move studios, my work reflects the change of location. And the results are a series of paintings that evolve naturally.
What role do you think the artist has in today’s society? In this troubled world, artists cajole, chastise, educate, comfort, provoke, and remind us of our fragility. Art serves as our conscience.
What’s the most important advice you could give to an aspiring artist? Just do the work – and embrace the agony and pleasure that comes with the job!
Does age matter in art? Why or why not? Absolutely. Experience and commitment are crucial. Best of all, the ability to learn from mistakes comes with time spent in the studio. Mature work stands on its own.
What can we look forward to from you next? There will be a museum show of my Predators paintings later this year. I’m developing a project for a traveling exhibition of my baseball paintings, and continuing my Souvenir series on wood slices.
Is there anything else you would like to share about being an artist later in life? One of my great pleasures is the long friendship of my fellow artists from college and grad school. And the ease of making new connections in the art world has much to do with having an extensive body of work and resume. Opportunities seem to present themselves more readily, accompanied by much less stress than when I was younger. I don’t take things as seriously – having a sense of humor helps a lot.
http://www.hilarybaker.com @hilarybakerstudio
Traveler, acrylic on olive wood, 42″ x 8″, 2024, Photo credit Maia Rose