D Hooker

I am primarily a mixed-media artist and although the nature of my work varies, it almost always involves paper and unique finishes. These mixed media pieces juxtapose the realism of photos with a loose painting style. The series combines digital rendering and traditional painting techniques but settles deeply into the mixed media realm. This system of borrowing, manipulating and distorting, using digital tools is then integrated with the mixed media world using everything from rust to smoke. 

Staying loose is hard work. I don’t learn techniques so much as mimic or accidentally create them and while it can take a long time to complete a painting, I think the viewer can feel impatience in the work. This lack of patience is a problem but I have figured out that this contradiction can also work for me. I know that I cannot do slow, methodical painting. I get bored with careful, preconceived activity and would like to remain in what is called “the beginner’s mind.” The problem with this is that you can’t remain a beginner forever. My solution to this is working quickly and trying to get it perfect right away. Of course, that is impossible, so I fail a lot. Nevertheless I keep at it, layering over what I don’t like and rescuing perfect accidents. 

My inspiration comes from the work itself. With the exception of some aspects of the commissioned portraits, I never know where a piece will go. I have learned that I never, ever stick to the plan—so why bother making one. I do usually begin with a theme that has to do with what is going on in my life or the life around me.