Since I am the Artist of the Month at the Harbor Art Gallery I was requested to write an autobiography and submit two digital images of my work.Every piece of art that I create reveals a history and conceals a mystery; a history of myself, and a mystery of what I, as the artist, am trying to express. Art for me is a feeble attempt to capture in a small degree the beautiful surroundings in which we live, and I, all too often take for granted. I believe that the creation of art allows me to speak from the very soul of my being; the unrealized, unspoken yearnings of my artist’s soul crying for expression.
Some people ask me if I’ve lived in Del Norte County all my life, and I must answer in all honesty, “no, not yet.” I’m 52 years young and I plan on putting in another 52 years. But, yes, I am a ‘lifer.’ I have been married for 28 years, and we have two grown sons. I took a short foray, of twenty years, in other occupations that culminated in me being where I am today. At one point I thought I wanted to be a professional photographer, and so attended Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara. As a Del Norte denizen I have worked as a commercial fisherman, logger, and just about every other north coast job. Through an on-the-job injury recuperation period I found that I had a knack for making signs, that led to creating signs for businesses here in Crescent City for about 12 years. And, besides, it was fun.
A.H.S. (After Hooper Signs), I went to Humboldt State University and graduated with a degree in Art Education and a Multiple Subjects Credential. I am now a 5th grade teacher at Joe Hamilton Elementary School. Painting and art are relegated for me to being when the inspiration, motivation, and aspirations choose to collide. For the most part, it comes together, or rather, rises to a crescendo as soon as school gets out in June, and I paint like a person deranged until the feeling is satiated. My favorite art medium? Whatever makes a mark on my canvas or garage door. Whatever it takes for me to feel that it’s “right.”
Carpe diem,
Jim Hooper
