Masha Hoffey
Masha was born in Moscow, Russia, and immigrated to the US in 1991. Her grandmother, an architect and watercolorist, first introduced her to making art when she was a toddler.
Since then, drawing and painting have been important and constant in her life, though her path to a consistent studio practice has not been linear. During her time at Williams College, she studied traditional Chinese landscape watercolor in Yunnan, China and Tibetan Thangka painting in the Himalayan region of India. After graduation, she spent some time at the School of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, studying drawing and painting. Masha lives in Holliston, Massachusetts with her husband and three children, and works out of her home studio.
Q&A
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? Some of my earliest memories are drawing with my grandmother in Russia. My grandmother was a watercolor artist and an architect, and always looking for new ways to express her creativity. Drawing and painting always made me feel close to her, and that is still the case although she is no longer with us.
When did art become a pursuit? Art has always been a part of my life, but I was only able to commit fully to my art practice in the past few years, once my three children (now 11, 10, 4) were old enough to entertain themselves for a few hours while I worked.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I studied at the School of Museum of Fine Arts in their Diploma program, though I do not have a degree in visual art (I studied Philosophy and Mandarin Chinese in college). I was also able to study art while traveling in college and after. I studied traditional Chinese landscape watercolor while traveling in Yunnan and Tibetan Thangka (sacred scroll) painting while studying Buddhism in India.t through progressive failure.
How did you first become involved with CAA? I first became involved with CAA in May 2021.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I primarily work with ink, egg tempera, and silver/gold leaf. Egg tempera and metal leaf are traditional materials in Orthodox iconography. As a first-generation Russian immigrant, these materials also keep me connected to my heritage.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? My work deals with themes of displacement, disorientation, and the feeling of being out of place. I am interested in how foreign places can become familiar, and how immigrants build relationships with new spaces and places over time.
What role do you think the artist plays in society? I believe art is fundamentally about interpersonal connection. Artists build connections in two ways: by capturing those invisible things that can make people feel alone in the world and by inspiring others to find and share their authentic perspectives and unique experiences.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? I most often paint landscapes, trees and flowers. I am inspired by the places and objects around me. I often paint from photos I have taken.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? Learning to Listen is a 26 x 26 x 26 square table that works as a glorified planter. Not only is it made from recycled plastic (climbing rope, which is nylon, which is plastic), but with a live house plant inside, I’m doing a bit more towards erasing my carbon footprint than nothing.
What’s your favorite place to see art, and why? I think my piece “Daffodils Beneath a Tree” is most representative of my practice today. It best captures my current inspirations and process.
What living artists are you inspired by? I am inspired by the work of Columbus, OH artist Christopher Burk for the striking graphic nature of his paintings and his use of unique perspectives and angles. I also love the work of Daryl Burtnett in Montpelier, VT for his exploration of texture and subtle use of color.
Do you have any shows coming up? I currently (August 2021) have my work in a few shows: – “New England Collective XI” at Galatea Fine Arts in Boston – “Black & White” at Site: Brooklyn Gallery online – “27th Juried Exhibition” at Zullo Gallery in Medfield, MA And of course the Summer 2021 Small Works show with CAA online
See more from Masha
Website: www.mashahoffeyart.com
Instagram: @masha.hoffey.art