Vera W. Hoffman
VISUAL ARTS
My journey into the world of art took a significant turn when I moved to the Netherlands. It was there that I discovered the transformative power of art as a means to express my thoughts and find peace in times of stress. My introduction into digital art started when I received an iPad for my birthday during quarantine. This led me to establish my art account on Instagram, where I could share my visual narratives with the world. Subsequently, I delved into diverse mediums, from watercolors, digital art, alcohol markers, photography, and gouache. However, my artistic journey doesn't stop here. I am determined to refine my skills in clay and ink, pushing the boundaries of my creative expression. In the academic sphere, I've chosen to undertake the IB Visual Arts Higher Level, cementing my commitment to artistic exploration and personal growth.
Art Account (@mossy_muffin)
This was my most successful piece - a manga panel redraw. I was really proud of my use of lighting and colors, and I felt that I was able to express the emotions of the characters in this piece. It was done digitally using Procreate on my iPad, and later edited with Prequel
Still-Life Painting - Gouache
For my first IB exhibition I painted a still life of the contents of my peer's bag. Bags are a symbolic part of our high school experience, serving as vessels for our identities. Within the bags, I believe that we can discern people’s dreams, hopes, and aspirations, as well as their character. I wanted a combination of objects, especially those that have been familiar with us since childhood (such as a pencil case), and I planned to juxtapose those with more modern items such as a laptop, to show growth. Overall, I planned for each piece to capture the essence of our high school selves, mixed with the nostalgia of certain possessions, showing the balance between innocence and growth.
Photography - People Study
During a trip to Kyoto, I decided to conduct a people study. I took 8 photos for the piece. It was my first time experimenting with an actual camera, and was a very enjoyable experience.
Wall Mural
I felt that my room was very bland, and due to quarantine, I didn't have much to do. Therefore, I utilized the blank space in my room to paint a mural of my favorite anime at the time: "Bungo Stray Dogs"
