Works
Biography
Michael Hoffman

"My paintings are meditative studies done with rich colors and bold graphic compositions - I often incorporate circles, grids and stripes. The universality and appeal of this symbology pulls the viewer in and holds them there to explore the subtle details. I try to create work that both captivates and calms. I work with abstractions because I want to put forth something universal that can be open to interpretations that are unique to each individual and can continue to evolve over time. A common theme in my painting is the relationship between rigid linear form and the organic flow of nature, order and disorder. I feel this is reflective in many ways of our society and peoples’ longing for something more than the sterility of technology in our modern lives. I believe inclusion of these two elements creates a certain universal harmony in many of my paintings."

 

- Michael Hoffman

Born December 12, 1965, New York City. His father owned a fine art moving business and his mother was a Playright/Director at Cafe LaMama in its inaugural year. They were surrounded by a diverse crowd of artists, such as filmmaker Gary Galsworth and painter Charles Mingus Jr.. Michael's family moved across the USA, living in Madison and Santa Fe, and finally settling on Whidbey Island in Washington State. He spent his teenage years clearing a six acre plot of land with his family and building their home - a seven sided geodesic dome. Michael attended The Evergreen State College from 1983-87, studying film and photography. After graduation he took his camera and, over a ten year period, traveled extensively throughout Europe. While traveling he lived with, performed with, and documented circus performers and their communities. Michael moved to St. Louis in 2001, started an art gallery with Alicia and William LaChance and began working full time as an artist - a lifetime dream. With no formal education as a painter, Michael draws on his eclectic past for inspiration - strongly influenced by his travels throughout Spain and France and rich colors and textures marked by time. His artwork is collected by individuals and corporations worldwide.