- Chris Hodges, 10 April 2010
Realism, Expressionism, all those “isms” – I just want to make good art. What it all comes down to is that I’m looking for the right mark. The one mark that will finally say what I want to say. Style makes its own way into the work. Labels are for the seer, not the maker – I mean, I never set out to make an “Expressionist” painting. I believe doing so would destroy the freedom to paint. I’m just trying to make the image work.
I use whatever materials I have about. Charcoal, oil, pencil, watercolor, ink ,pastel – sometimes mixed – sometimes not – Often my paintings come from a sketch. The finished product may end up, however, in no way related to the sketch – I allow the image to lead me as I work. Not to say I give up control of the process. I am always aware of my choices though I may feel more directed to make some marks more than others.
Someone asked once what my goal was as an artist.
I just want to make something that someone
will want to look at more than once.
-Chris Hodges
