Vicky Hoffman Paso Robles, CA Age 69
What keeps you excited in the studio? Pushing myself…pushing my eyes, talent and skills…discovering new things. I may wonder what would it be like to use [fill in the blank] to apply paint to a surface. Surprisingly, used Bounce dryer sheets create an interesting surface. I do see my habitual “go-to” ways in my studio practice like the use of materials, collage, size, or color palette. I wonder what would it take to blow the door wide open — what would that look like.
Looking back at your trajectory as an artist, how would you say your work has developed? Not sure. When I consider my work from college days, I was interested in aerial views of the earth and building transparent layers. I used grids and circles and that remains true today. As I’ve aged, I’m wiser about my own personal growth and development. I see “order” in my work as a way to corral or process the chaos, joys, upsets, and disappointments of life. I’m super organized and somewhat linear, and that shows up in my work today.
What role do you think the artist has in today’s society? Martin Heidegger, the German philosopher, says “art is an assault on tranquilized obviousness.” And we humans, including artists, have our work cut out for ourselves. Get busy!
What’s the most important advice you could give to an aspiring artist? Do the work and find your eyes.
Does age matter in art? Why or why not? I think so. If you’re an emerging artist in your sixties, there are not a lot of decades in your future. I don’t mean to be a debbie downer but own it. Your career is still bright. Look at Luchita Hurtado. She’s my inspiration.
What can we look forward to from you next? This year I’m focused doing one small painting each week and collectively piece them all together to create one big piece. There’s a continuous line that weaves throughout each piece. To date, some paintings are winners and others are not-so-much.
Is there anything else you would like to share about being an artist later in life? Nope; I’m going to keep doing the work.
https://www.vickyhoffman.com/ @vickyhoffmanart
Aftermath V, mixed media (acrylic, oil-based pens, Japanese kozo paper), 30″ x 30″ on 2″ cradle board, 2023