Math doesn't suck as bad when it's this pretty …

Art Talk w/ Andrew Hoffman

NICKNAME:
Hoff

HOMETOWN:
I consider Bailey, CO as my hometown, but I was born in Denver and lived in Evergreen and Conifer before moving to Bailey when I was in the 4th grade. My parents still live there and reside in the same house I grew up in.

FAVORITE TYPE OF BEAR:
Black bear. They’re pretty common in Bailey and I crossed paths with them a few times in my childhood. They are peaceful creatures and are pretty much harmless, besides getting in the trash every once in awhile.

BEST PARTY TRICK:
I can do a David Blaine levitation trick — it always gets a great reaction at the bar.

STRANGEST THING IN YOUR FRIDGE RIGHT NOW:
Harissa. It's a thick, delicious chili pepper paste that is a staple in Moroccan cuisine. My Moroccan friend recently brought some back from his travels.

EVERY ARTIST NEEDS:
An imagination and a good sense of observation.

FAVORITE MEDIUM:
Whatever is available in my studio, but I prefer acrylic on wood panel. 

TALENTS BESIDES ART:
Snowboarding has been a lifelong passion of mine. I enjoy skating as well, but that derived from snowboarding.  I can also hold my own when it comes to running. I was a college athlete and ran track cross country for Western State. I ran a 4:19 mile and a 31-minute 10k in my heyday.

DESCRIBE YOUR ART IN ONE ADJECTIVE:
Optimistic.

MOST PROUD ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
Being able to be creative for a living. Besides my art endeavors, I'm a graphic designer at a digital agency called Deloitte Digital, a freelance illustrator and an adjunct professor at Metro State. I'm so grateful to be able to do what I love everyday — I don't think a lot of people can say that.

SOURCES OF ARTISTIC INSPIRATION(S):
I know it's a cliché answer, but my everyday surroundings. The places I go, the people I meet, the conversations I have, the films I watch and the books I read are all sources of inspiration for me.   

YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING AN ARTIST:
I enjoy the process. Creating something from nothing is a special feeling. It's a form of alchemy that is also very blissful.

WORDS OF ADVICE:
Patience, humility, hard work and confidence. You can't control your talent but you can refine it and control how hard you work and how you treat people around you. Nobody owes you anything in regards to career or opportunity. At the end of the day, it's all on you.

SHAMELESS PLUG:
I have a solo art show coming up at Svper Ordinary Gallery which is located in The Source on Brighton Blvd. The opening reception is March 12, stop by for free high fives! Or follow me on Instagram: @andrewhoffman84