Ira Hoffecker

I am interested in the amalgamation of abstraction and representation: a liminal space encompassing a fusion of subject disciplines. A few years ago, I started to paint plant-inspired organic shapes. Organic material analysis and interpretation became part of my exploration process. Simultaneous to my use of organic imagery as inspiration, I began working with oil paints again.

 

Oil paint has a different application regime and can be worked with for much longer, allowing me to create more subtle gradations of colour. Subsequently, I incorporated the plant affected imagery into my compositions along with the geometric structures that were the mainstay of my earlier painting direction. My newer works extend organic forms into abstracted spaces and landscapes that play with depth, lines, and layers. The work evolves during the painting process. I am interested in creating a push-pull interaction, a lively tension between the features representing spaces, and those that signify shapes as compositional elements.

 

Color impacts how I integrate organic ideas with abstract shapes on the canvas. During my years of studying fine art, I engaged in purposeful colour theory research. My approach to color is influenced by colour masters and theorists like Itten, Albers, Goethe and others. Colour choice I gravitate to and mix before I start to paint empower the shapes. I work with flatness and depth both in my shape development, and the paintings’ spatial components. The colour-shape-space decisions energise and further the paintings’ overall compositions.