Art & Life with Dianne Hoffman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dianne Hoffman.

Dianne, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born and raised in Orange County and moved to become a resident of San Francisco in 1988. At 18, I felt a gravitational pull North to the City by the Bay, with its loving embrace of everything extraordinary. My heart, mind and art-loving soul were provided an endless resource of possibilities that cultivated and nurtured my creative impulses.

I have been a full-time artist of salvaged and repurposed components since 2010 and my work can be found in collections worldwide including Hong Kong, Australia, Africa, Europe and throughout the continental U.S.

I also work part-time as Programs Assistant for the non-profit, ArtSpan, applying my first-hand understanding and relationship to the San Francisco arts community. I serve on ArtSpan’s Open Studios Committee and am involved with its Mentorship program.

When I’m not in my art studio preparing for an upcoming show, scavenging the beach and flea markets for unusual objects to turn into art materials, or assisting with the needs of my ArtSpan team, I am always seeking out creative inspiration by attending galleries, museums, concerts, performances, and innovative events wherever they present themselves.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a self-taught mixed media artist with a primary focus in found objects and recycled materials mingled with collage, paint, and clay. I have a tendency to personify inanimate objects and feel genuine compassion for those that are damaged or disregarded. I see potential in broken bits and find beauty in rust and erosion. The older an object, the more haunting and alluring its ghost. Assemblage art allows me to indulge these concepts by creating dimensional worlds of allegory where tall tales are told, jokes are cracked, emotions stirred, and poems imparted.

My treasure hunt is rummaging through thrift shops, flea markets, re-use centers, garage sales, junkyards, attics and basements for precious baubles, bits and boxes. Sometimes an inspired idea will come upon first sight of an object. But more often I will mull through my neatly organized piles of arbitrary things repetitively placing random items together until something visually clicks, and the piece takes hold.

I like to link organic objects from nature with industrial and figurative remnants by combining complementary muted color schemes to harmonize dissimilar media. The narrative facet of each piece often derives from the variety of music I am listening to, a phrase that strikes me, or a sentiment I’d like to give a visual context too. My intent is to portray a delicate balance between light and dark by depicting the sincerity found in their unified stories.

Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Creativity is a muscle to be exercised and flexed regularly. The more diligently and consistently you work it, the stronger it will become. Put in the time and don’t be afraid to “break a sweat.” No one begins anything being the best they can be. You have to work hard and push yourself. Each time I sit down to create something I try to be more daring and innovative that I have ever been before. Not more so than someone else… just myself. It’s hard, but you must not compare your growth, and it’s outcome to anyone else. This is your journey. Don’t take someone else’s path. Carve out one of your own and take it all the way.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
A portfolio of my past and present work can be viewed on my website: www.diannehoffman.net.

My studio is located at Arc Studios & Gallery in the South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco. I welcome visitors by appointment to come by to learn more and see what I am working on and view my available inventory.

I also open up my studio each Fall as a participant of ArtSpan’s SF Open Studios event that takes place over four consecutive weekends with over 800 San Francisco artists making their workspace and art available to the public.  This year my studio building is assigned the SFOS weekend of November 2nd & 3rd, 11AM-6PM and will also host a Friday Preview Reception on November 1st 7-9PM.

Currently, I have work on exhibit through the end of January at Onyx boutique (289 Divisadero Street, San Francisco) and at Wonderland SF Gallery (1266 Valencia Street, San Francisco).

I also have my most recent creation of 2019 included in a group show call SubVersions that opens at Arc Gallery (1246 Folsom Street, San Francisco) on Saturday, January 26th and runs through February 23 of 2019.

And I am working on a new series of 12 original work based on Relationships that will be featured  in a duo exhibition at the Reclaimed Room (701 Amador St, San Francisco) from May 10th through July 5th, 2019.

For anyone that would like to learn more about the creative process of assemblage, I have five spots open in my 2019 Assemblage Art Making Workshop that I’ll hosting at Arc Gallery in San Francisco on Sunday, May 19th. I’ve limited space to just 10 people and extended it from 12nn – 5pm so there will be more time to create and get your needs met in the process! To learn more and reserve your space please visit the Eventbrite invitation HERE : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/assemblage-art-workshop-with-found-objects-tickets-54118059573

Contact Info:

• Address: Arc Studios: 1246 Folsom Street, #103, San Francisco, CA 94103
• Website: http://www.diannehoffman.net
• Email: dhoffman4art@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannehoffmanart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianneHoffmanArt/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DHoffman4Art

Image Credit:
Su Evers

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.