By Katie Ryan
One local artist is making her mark in the Saskatchewan art scene. Mixed media artist Brandi Leah Hofer recently received the coveted “marketing member” status after successfully completing the rigorous jury process of the Saskatchewan Craft Council.
The SCC jury process was held in Saskatoon, where artists like Hofer submitted their work in a wide range of categories, competing for “marketing member” status.
Hofer threw her hat, or rather her art in the fine arts category, along with approximately 20 other artists. The Lloydminster artist, who hopes her work reveals the emotional self and connects with viewers, was one of 12 who were awarded the coveted status in that category.
“It’s always nerve wracking when you have other artists looking at your work and you are wondering what they are going to say,” said Hofer, who works as a studio artist in the city. “And then I was wondering if I would get in, but in the end it’s not so bad. Building up to it and preparing for it is extremely stressful, but it’s okay – afterwards.”
Hofer trained at the Red Deer College visual arts transfer program and at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax. As a mixed media artist Hofer works with acrylic paints, chalk pastels and plaster, creating art based on questions related to the objectification of women, the fetishism of the female figure and the female sexual psyche.
Her paintings have been described by critics, including SCC member services coordinator Chris Jones, as expressive, evocative and emotional.
“Brandi’s paintings really caught the jury’s attention,” said Jones, in a statement. “Her exploration of the human form is profound and moving.”
Jury members look at both the technical skill and aesthetic merit of each piece submitted.
As a juried “marketing member” Hofer can now sell her work in the Traditions Handcraft Gallery in Regina and also participate in SCC’s fine craft markets in Regina, Saskatoon, Battleford and Lloydminster, including the city’s second annual Harvest Moon Fine Craft Market in October.
“I can meet new people in art communities outside of Lloydminster. The more I can expand the better,” said Hofer, who is looking forward to taking her art on the road, sharing and selling her work, just as she continues to do through Facebook. “It’s a really great way to market yourself.”
Being a juried marketing member of the SCC also effectively serves as a professional accreditation for craft artists, according to the SCC.
“Our standards are universally judged to be the most comprehensive and rigorous in the country. Quite simply, you have to be really, really, good at your craft to pass this process,” said Jones.
Hofer said she that while the process was stressful, it was also exciting to compete, to win and to speak with Chris Jones.
“He shook my hand and whispered it to me,” said Hofer, referring to her new status as an artist. “I was surprised and it’s the next step in my career, and hopefully it’s a big one.”
Now that Hofer has passed the process though, she doesn’t plan on quitting her day jobs just yet – waitressing at Spiro’s and working at Art and Soul Framing Gallery.
“I try to do as much as I can on my one day off and I also try to work at night,” she said. “That’s what I want to do, eventually, just make and produce art.”
Hofer said with her status she plans on applying to all of SCC’s shows and markets, and will create as much art as she can for them.
“Hopefully it goes well, because it has to,” she laughed.
Hofer’s art can be viewed in Grower’s Direct, banquet rooms at the Exhibition Grounds, Art and Soul, and Sapelli Kitchen Works.