We recently connected with Kristina Hoover and have shared our conversation below.

Kristina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I’m not a risk taker by any means, but after moving to a new city and having my first child, I was slowly creating again without a real direction or purpose. I had some artist friends who were selling artwork online and thought hmm maybe I should give that a try. I’ve always been artistic, but selling my work like a “real artist” wasn’t on my radar. Around the same time, I heard about a local spring art market- I look back at this event as my official start that launched me into this new path. I took the risk and signed up, but an even bigger risk for me was spending the $200 to secure my spot for the weekend. This was a huge gamble for me, with no idea if I’d even make that back. I had no idea what I was doing, this was my first “real” show. I invested in some small display items, a tablecloth, and a pack of bedsheets. Yes, my indoor display space was literally put together with white bed sheets as divider walls.
Within the first 15 minutes of the show starting, I has someone walk up to me with a credit card in hand, and point to one of my larger pieces- “I want that” This was a rush of emotion. One, OMG someone actually wanted to buy my art! Two, that one piece instantly covered my fee. Over the course of the weekend, I realized people were not only interested in my art, but buying it too! This leap of making my introverted self sign up for a public event, and spend a chunk of money I didn’t really have, wound up to be an amazing eye opener, helped me quickly get over some fears, and be one of the best risks that sent me on a new journey in life as an artist.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been artistic and studied art throughout grade school all the way up to receiving my MFA from Clemson University in printmaking. I taught adjunct for a while, but after having my son and relocating, I still had the urge to create. I took a leap and tried doing local art shows, which became a springboard into turning my art into a business.

I specialize in printmaking and create a lot of my work through the reduction woodcut process. I use one block of wood that I draw on and carve by hand layer by layer- color by color until the block is reduced and most of the image is carved away. I roll the surface of the carved block of wood with ink (each color is a different layer that gets rolled and pressed off the same block) and place the paper on top. Pressure is then applied to transfer the ink to the paper.

I produce small limited editions of each image, and once the block is fully carved and the last color is printed, the edition is done. I can not print anymore from the block of wood, making them truly unique.

I first fell in love with printmaking at the end of high school and continued to pursue it today. I connect with the physicality, and tactility of the woodcut process; It’s like creating a 2-dimensional sculpture. I love the feel of the wood and the meditative and repetitive quality of carving layer after layer.

My art has taken different forms over the years, but right now the lush and vibrant Florida landscape plays a vast role in inspiring and shaping my compositions. I work very intuitively. Bright colors, organic shapes, repetitive patterns, and lines all entice me. Art and nature become my escape.

I want to create and surround myself with things that make me feel good. Things I get a sense of joy from; what makes me feel happy when I walk by and look at it. Recreating my view is my way of sharing and expressing the endless beauty that surrounds us. The plants, florals, and animals in my work are representative of new life, joy, and renewal. I want collectors who hang my work in their homes to feel the same way; get a sense of joy by bringing the outdoors in. Refreshing not only their wall but their spirit.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It’s simple for me, but getting a photo of one of my pieces hanging in its new home gives me such a rewarding feeling. I’m proud, honored, and happy. Happy that someone else shares the same feeling I do toward my art. Sees the same beauty I do, and chooses to live with my creation in their space for years to come.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my option just sharing your favorite artist, or local business helps us tremendously. Share, Share, Share. Other people won’t find out about us unless someone is talking. Growing on social media has become increasingly harder, and there are so many amazing people out there that go unnoticed. Don’t be afraid to support a friend’s business, and show off their work.
We can’t be afraid of sharing or promoting other artists for fear that it will take business away from us. We are all unique, and so is our work. What someone likes another person may not. There is a piece out there for everyone to connect with, even if its not yours.
The more we come together and start supporting one another is when we begin to change and grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kristinahooverfineart.com
• Instagram: Kristinahooverfineart
• Facebook: Kristinahooverfineart

Image Credits
Katie Ventura Photography