Richard Hoffmann's work
has been called “unique,
” “challenging,
” “bright," ”
“colorful," ”
and on occasion, “disturbing
in a hauntingly beautiful
way. ” His is a varied
body of work, having evolved
throughout the years to its
current more mature phase
of shaped paintings and cut-out
pieces. His earlier work,
a more traditional exploration
of forms, shapes and space,
intrigue the viewer and invite
observation and discussion
as well.
Born in NYC and raised in
nearby Rockland County, Hoffmann
affirms there was never a
time without art or that he
did not think he was going
to be an artist. His parent's
home proudly displayed original
artwork of a close friend
and knowing someone well who
was immersed in art made an
everlasting impression.
“Having Uncle Bill's
art in our home and visiting
his house where he was always
doing something creative made
art an everyday part of life,”
remarked Hoffmann. “It
wasn't something you saw in
a museum one Sunday a month.”
Then, there was his grandfather
Henry.
Hoffmann fondly recalls happy
childhood memories, where
the two would sit at the kitchen
table and draw.
“My grandfather wanted
to be an artist but it just
wasn't possible at the time,”
says Hoffmann. “He left
school in the middle of sixth
grade to support his family,
and then he had his own family
to support. But he still did
his drawings at the kitchen
table. When he realized I
had an interest in art, he
made it a point to sit with
me.”
The devil is in the details
Because his grandfather had
been a ferryboat captain,
the two drew their fair share
of boats and ships. A lifelong
guiding principle for Hoffmann
and his artwork resulted from
a simple lesson his grandfather
gave him on sail direction
in the wind.
