Today we’d like to introduce you to Hope Perkins.
Hi Hope, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always had a passion for art and creating weird things. When I was a kid I used to cover any available surface in paint. Clothes, clubhouses available walls, unavailable walls, Barbies, even cicada shells weren’t safe from my wrath of painting.
I went on to study art focusing primarily on painting in college. I moved to Austin in the late nineties and continued on with my art journey. I would show my art wherever anyone would allow it, mostly bars, salons, restaurants and sometimes galleries.
I have always been a sucker for a good theme for a series in my artwork. I’ve had many but some of my favorite were my dead rapper series that I painted on thrift store canvas in the early 2000s and a series of Chola girls on vintage mumu’s. I also had a series I used plastic animal masks on canvas and one of my more current series is my painted vintage taxidermy.
I open admit my work is a lot of times tacky or obnoxious, leaning towards bright to neon colors and pattern on top of patterns. I am definitely a maximalist, and there is no shame in that game especially when you’re doing it in a fun, tongue in cheek sort of way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say for the most part it’s been a smooth journey but not to be mistaken for a completely financially successful journey. I’ve have gotten the chance to meet many wonderful artists and business owners along the way. The times where I have been able to solely support myself as an artist have been difficult without a what I call a “big girl job”.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I would say at this point most of my work is commissioned portraits. Most of my works involve some type of a face which is my favorite subject to paint.
I have also been playing around with making things like lamps and planters with paper mache.
Most of my work has a fun side to it and not to taken absolutely seriously.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Through out my art career I’ve shown at multiple galleries but I was never very successful at selling there. Galleries usually have one big opening night and if your pieces don’t sell that nigh it only becomes harder to sell after that because of hours of operation .Also people’s interest in visiting a local gallery tend to decrease when there is not a lively gathering and free alcohol.
I would definitely advise new artists to reach out to any place that displays art. A lot of restaurants, bars, salons record stores display local artists. I’ve had much more financial success in displaying in these type of establishments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Hopeperkinsart.com
- Instagram: Hopeperkinsart
