Artist Statement

German philosopher Martin Heidegger once wrote, “Art is an assault on tranquilized obviousness.” This quote resonates with me, so much so that I spray-painted it on the inside of my studio garage door. As an abstract artist, I strive to embody this statement while also recognizing I grapple with the unpredictable world, and attempt to make sense out of chaos.

In 2023, my "Aftermath" mixed media series responded to the atmospheric storms that ravaged California, depicting how chaos can create its own beauty. My process is intuitive and experimental. In 2024 each week I explored the randomness of one continuous line drawn across multiple, detached 14.5” x 14.5” squares of watercolor paper with the intent to push myself into a new direction.

I start with a loose idea and let the materials guide the work, using diverse media and unconventional materials to blur the lines between abstraction and representation.

quote from John Seed, contributing writer for Hyperallergic, Art Ltd., and The Huffington Post

“Walking the tightrope between representation and abstraction, Vicky Hoffman is a nimble and flexible artist. Hoffman’s ability to find interesting subjects, but then to let her intuition kick in as she creates consistently leads to engaging and original works.”

Bio

Vicky Hoffman lives and works in her home studio in San Luis Obispo County, California. She holds a BA in Art from San Diego State University and uses multiple mediums, including acrylics, watercolor pencils, oil-based pens and various papers.

Walter Maciel of Walter Maciel Gallery selected Vicky’s work, Aftermath, for the Afterimage exhibit held at Gallery 825 in West Hollywood. At the same gallery, Louis Stern of Louis Stern Fine Arts, chose upRooted for the Glossary exhibit. Notably, Vicky’s work, Untitled #4 (black), earned a spot in Open Show by the Los Angeles critic, Peter Frank.

upRooted was chosen again for the annual national juried exhibition of Works on Paper at Brand Library and Art Center. With over 1,200 talented artists vying for a spot, Vicky’s inclusion among the distinguished group of 98 artists is a testament to her artistic vision.

She has appeared in solo and group shows at San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, Chaffey Community Museum of Art, Gallery 825, TAG Gallery in Los Angeles, Segil Fine Art Gallery, FIVE 08 Gallery, Arena 1 Gallery and many more.

Vicky is a member of Los Angeles Art Association/Gallery 825 and a Kipaipai Fellow. Her work has appeared in Studio Visit, 805 Living, Kolaj Magazine, Fabrik and Volumes II, III and IV for Los Angeles Art Association.