Artist Spotlight: Emily Van Hoff

Emily Van Hoff is an incredible artist out of Chicago Illinois. All of her work is informed by her background in graphic design and a constant need to be making tactile things with her hands at all times.

1. National Public Radio
2. My cat, Laszlo, who does not feel the same way about me
3. Something to keep my hands busy

I’ve just always had a need to be making something with my hands. As a kid, it was 2 inch tall stuffed felt elephants and impossibly tiny paper cranes. Over the years, I’ve continued adding new mediums, mixed in some actual art education, a whole lot of life experience, and countless hours of creating. My ongoing goal is to find new ways to combine all of those things in unexpected and beautiful ways!

Inspiration mostly comes from the process for me. I most often get new ideas while working and imagining the new directions I could take. It probably helps that my process is incredibly tedious and leaves much time for my brain to wander. 

Just make stuff! Don’t think about it so much. Pick a thing that is exciting to you at the moment and try it, and then figure out how to make it better or different and make another thing. You will only want to put in the work if you’re excited about it, and if you’re excited about it, chances are someone else will be too.

Emily is part of a group show that is opening October 7th and will be on the walls next to Roma Osowo, Nate Nettleton and Hillary Howorth. Send us an email if you would like on the presale list!