Let’s Talk About the Future of Art, Meet Colleen Hoffenbacker
For our UNBOUND exhibition, viewers were encouraged to discover new contemporary artists and their art, selected for risk-taking, skill and vulnerability in the evolution of creating work and in the course of their career. At Juniper Rag, we recognize the landscape in the art world is changing rapidly and we want to demonstrate and inspire, featuring artists that are incorporating new ideas, innovation and future-thinking into your own work. There is an excitement in art making when something new happens, is discovered or something drastic that transforms your whole process, like in the case of Eco-Artist Colleen Hoffenbacker from Bellingham, Washington, USA. The UNBOUND exhibition was about the freedom of experimentation, the inclusion of new concepts in art-making and the ability to push your personal boundaries.
Art-making extends far past what the eye sees in two or three dimensions. When artists record themselves, intrinsically, a magical exchange is made between the creator and the viewer. A part of their inner persona is presented publicly for others to view, discuss and critique in ways that leave them vulnerable. This gift of art is a gift from the self to us and in creating this work, we view artists pushing their own personal limits of creativity.
We celebrate the use of new materials, processes, mediums, the use of new technology and the forging onward in the practice of art, no matter where it takes us. As viewers, we should be reminded that new ideas are not always adopted immediately and that in time, some of these ideas may be the visionary paths that many artists and collectors with respect and follow. Taking risks, changing your process, experimenting, and hell, quitting your day job to make art—all should be rewarded. We are proud to work with artists, like Colleen that embrace what is possible and apply it to their art-making.
Colleen’s words encapsulate the vision we have to become a catalyst for artists who envision a future of art that breaks free of traditional thinking and uses new tools that are available to us all.
“I seek to spark an innate sense of curiosity and possibility. By harmonizing emerging digital capabilities with timeless values underpinning humanity’s appreciation of nature, I want my artwork to compassionately further dialogue on our shared ecological future – one where human creativity might thrive in unison with technology and our planet. Though anchored in tradition, I fuse the old and new, the natural and digital, in hopes of revealing our world anew.” —Colleen Hoffenbacker
Colleen Hoffenbacker, Regen 1.0.1, 12x12”, oil on aluminum, NFS
Using new mediums has always set artists apart. Leonardo da Vinci was renowned for his pioneering spirit, da Vinci experimented with various mediums and techniques, including oil painting, fresco, and drawing. He also delved into anatomy and engineering, utilizing new scientific knowledge to inform his artistic practice. Technology has played a significant role in traditional art making throughout history, albeit in different forms depending on the time period and available technology. New tools and materials have impacted art-making from the earliest cave paintings to Renaissance masterpieces, artists have utilized various tools and materials to create their works. These tools evolved over time, from simple brushes and pigments to more sophisticated instruments like easels, palettes, and sculpting tools.
Advancements in pigments and paints throughout history, artists experimented with different pigments and paints, often incorporating technological advancements in chemistry and materials science. For example, the development of oil painting techniques during the Renaissance allowed artists to achieve greater depth and realism in their works.
The invention of photography in the 19th century and video in the 20th, not only revolutionized the way we capture images but also influenced traditional art making and turned it on it’s head. Artists like the Impressionists used photography as a tool for capturing fleeting moments and exploring new perspectives on light and composition. It absolutely changed the game, in art and in the world. Humans are visual. Photography has now become a way of life for even the smallest children with the rise of social media platforms.
How many levels of technology do you see here?
Controversial and exciting, just like every other advancement throughout history digital technologies have transformed traditional art-making. Digital tools such as graphic design tablets, software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and 3D modeling programs have become integral to many artists' workflows, allowing for greater flexibility, efficiency, and experimentation.
We would be remiss if we did not mention social media and the web. The very technology that provides Juniper Rag a pathway to showcase artists from around the world, curating them and sharing to other communities abroad. A defining cultural game-changer in our time. The internet and social media platforms have also had a profound impact on traditional art-making, providing artists with new ways to showcase their work, connect with audiences, and collaborate with other artists around the world. Overall, technology has been intertwined with traditional art making throughout history, shaping the tools, techniques, and materials available to artists and influencing the evolution of artistic expression.
Award-winning botanical artist Colleen Hoffenbacker captures the delicate essence of nature in her Bellingham, Washington paintings. By fusing traditional fine arts practice with innovative AI collaborative tools, she examines the evolving bond between the natural world and technology. Following a commercial art career, she studied traditional realism at the Academy of Classical Design. Her work is recognized in the permanent Lunar Codex collections. One of 30,000 artists, whose work was encapsulated and sent to the moon. She is a member with Distinction of American Women Artists, and member of Women Painters of Washington. Her oil paintings have been featured nationally in galleries, museums, and private collections and support the conservation efforts of environmental organizations.
Colleen Hoffenbacker, Floragen 2.0.1, 12x12”, oil on aluminum, NFS
My floral paintings envision imaginative gardens that reflect nature's beauty and transformative power. Incorporating classical techniques informed by my creativity, my compositions conceptually bridge nature-inspired traditions with contemporary AI artistry that unveils new visual perspectives. Meticulously hand-painted from personalized, digitally collaborative botanical images, I seek to spark an innate sense of curiosity and possibility. By harmonizing emerging digital capabilities with timeless values underpinning humanity’s appreciation of nature, I want my artwork to compassionately further dialogue on our shared ecological future – one where human creativity might thrive in unison with technology and our planet. Though anchored in tradition, I fuse the old and new, the natural and digital, in hopes of revealing our world anew. My aim is for artwork that speaks to our past yet envisions bold new horizons, celebrating nature’s wonder while pioneering uncharted visual frontiers through modern capabilities.
Colleen Hoffenbacker, Bellingham, Washington, USA
“THROUGH THE EXPRESSIVE BEAUTY OF PAINT, MY ARTWORK HIGHLIGHTS THE POTENTIAL FOR NATURE AND TECHNOLOGY TO WORK TOGETHER IN SYNERGY TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.”
Curiosity and a drive to learn are essential qualities that propel artists to overcome traditional barriers in their creative pursuits. Curious artists are constantly seeking out new techniques, mediums, and materials to incorporate into their practice. They experiment with unconventional materials, technology, and processes, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms and challenging established norms. Cross-disciplinary collaboration also occur with professionals from other fields such as science, technology, and engineering. This interdisciplinary approach fosters the exchange of ideas and knowledge, leading to innovative projects that bridge the gap between art and other disciplines.
Embracing failure anditeration, artists who embrace new ideas are not afraid to fail. They view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, embracing the iterative process of experimentation and refinement. By pushing through challenges and setbacks, they discover new possibilities and breakthroughs that propel their work forward. They advance all of us, exploring alternative perspectives, unconventional narratives, and diverse cultural influences, enriching their practice with new ideas and perspectives.
We discover artists that view creativity as a lifelong journey of discovery and self-improvement. They, like Colleen are committed to continual growth and learning, seeking out new challenges and opportunities for artistic development. This dedication to personal and professional growth enables them to stay ahead of the curve and remain at the forefront of artistic innovation, while pushing us all forward.
Embracing new mediums and new kinds of tech, combined with curiosity and a drive to learn are powerful motivators that empower artists to overcome traditional barriers, explore new possibilities, and push the boundaries of creativity in their quest to create meaningful and impactful work. We are proud to showcase Colleen Hoffenbacker’s artwork to you in UNBOUND and again, here on our blog.
VANGUARD, curated by Tam Gryn is our next call for art in a three part series regarding pushing boundaries. The call is now live and closes in early May.
JUNIPER RAG is thrilled to announce a unique opportunity for innovative artists around the world to participate in a juried virtual exhibition curated by art industry visionary Tam Gryn who specializes in the intersection between art and other industries, new creative economies, crypto for creative communities, satisfying audiences’ desire for new and genuine art experiences, generating buzz, newfound exposure and foot traffic through art.
We extend a loud invitation to artists across all mediums who are pushing boundaries to submit their work for consideration for VANGUARD.
