Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicky Hoffman.
Hi Vicky, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The average income from an art career is $18K/year. Absolutely insufficient!
When I was in my final semester with metal smithing and glass as my emphasis back in 1977, my instructor guided me to consider MFA at Cranbrook. I was clueless on how to pay for advanced education and was kindly told by my father that advanced degrees were on my nickel. I had no idea about student loans. Also rent was due.
I sniffed around for a job that at least complemented my creative endeavors, which turned out to be a project manager in graphics and then marketing and advertising. I continued to straddle two jobs — art and corporate work.
I worked hard, scrappy, no debt and a LOT tired. Today as I still scramble around for art opportunities, I’m incredibly grateful for my journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh my, there are many ways to answer these questions. Smooth road? Struggles? If the road is smooth or if there are no struggles, then I wasn’t taking any risks. Risks and failures are opportunities for growth and development. I’m incredibly fortunate as I have constantly landed on my feet and I attribute that to my tenacity like a dog with a bone. Struggles? Sure. I’d say the biggest struggle is my own self-criticism. Is there a solution to that attribute? Perhaps. Our brains are miraculous with neurons firing away each day. Let that sink in dear readers…and embrace being with “what so” and consider YOU’RE a frickin miracle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am often asked “what medium do you work in?” and my response is anything that gets the job done. That said, I would say I’m known for my mixed media artwork. I attempt to organize life and make sense out of the madness…all of it…the beauty, the heartbreaks, the language we speak, the misfortunes and more.
In 2024, I committed to creating one new artwork each week, resulting in a series of mixed-media “tiles” on 14.5″ x 14.5″ watercolor paper, all cut from a single 60″ x 180″ 130 lb. Canson watercolor paper roll. This body of work is called “Organized Chaos.” The result is a dynamic grid that embraces imperfection, spontaneity, and conceptual connection. The pieces can be arranged in multiple ways—by the original continuous line, chronological development, or intuitive relationships. Each arrangement tells a different story, reflecting the evolution of thought, emotion, and mark-making.
This year, I’m having fun riffing on “Organized Chaos” by doing one small sketch each day for 365 days. I’m currently on Q1 starting with October 1, 2025. There are some real gems here.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Yosemite and San Clemente are on the top of the list. Perhaps it’s all of the lovely guidance received from my mother and father. Their words ring true today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vickyhoffman.com
- Instagram: vickyhoffmanart
