Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Hoppe
Hi Olivia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up by Aitkin, MN as Olivia Anderson. My Dad, Dennis Anderson, did a lot of Mountain man/native american crafts. I’m part native american from my mother’s side. It’s had a lasting influence over my work.
I took as many different art classes as I could at Aitkin high school and then later at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, MN. I think mostly in pictures so art was my way of communicating.
After college, I got married and moved out to the Alexandria, MN area. For the next 10 years or so I did mostly custom work for people. Along with the my other duties as a farmer’s wife.
The last couple years I’ve been trying to get my work out into a gallery setting. Started with getting a few pieces out into the gift shop areas of galleries. I started getting a few pieces into group shows. Then duo shows and now a few solo shows. It’s exciting to have galleries take my work seriously.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve had plenty of struggles along the way. My lack of depth perception kept me from getting a driver’s license. Thinking in pictures makes communicating with people difficult. My social anxiety compounds my communication problems. Without clear communication, people tend to not take you seriously.
When I was little, my mother died from breast cancer. A little before I turned 22, my father died from a heart attack. My father set up and sold stuff all over Minnesota and he would take pieces of work with to sell. After he passed, I was lost. My husband helps me by taking me places when he can.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do a mix of pen and ink drawing and painting on a variety of surfaces. I try to utilize the materials I can grow, forage for, or repurpose. I was never much for staying on the paper when I was little and that never changed. With sanding and priming, I can create art on cattle bones, wood, gourds, and a number of other things. My years of doing custom work for people has greatly expanded my skill set.
My work is known for being eclectic. One of my goals is to be self sufficient. I am proud of being able to grow most of the gourds I use. Thinking outside the box and finding uses for materials other people would throw away is really fun for me.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Being different in the art world will set you apart. But it can make it difficult to be taken seriously.
I’m hoping my work will inspire others to think outside the box.
Contact Info:
- Other: Email: hoppecrafts@yahoo.com
