Asher (Ash) Hoffman

Creating art is a spiritual act—much like meditation or prayer. From stretching canvas to mark-making, the process feels similar to deep study on the journey toward spiritual growth. Every mark adds to the conversation and grow my language and practice. Allowing my spirit to guide the work is at the heart of my practice.

My art emerges instinctively through a process akin to automatism, where emotions and experiences are visually translated into abstract forms and scenes. Joy, loss, memory, life, and music inspire me and shape the narratives within my pieces. Successfully releasing the energy of the painting on canvas feels similar to the energy felt during my most spiritual experiences. This energy fuels my practice and guides my production. It has allowed me to feel (at times) secondary to its guidance. 

Through my series works, I balance this energy with intention and spontaneity, letting emotions and memories guide my brush and palette. Even when I begin with a plan or direction, my art evolves unexpectedly, often transcending my original vision. Many times, the meanings of my works grow to be completely different from what I had intended.