decreased, a quarantine break-up…isolation. I’m going to move and move again by the summer’s end. My lot’s fortunate,
compared to many tragic aftermath situations. But, yes, even in this nook of northern New York, I acknowledge the effects;
I was buoyant before and now I’m daily grieving the long standing–who knows how long it’ll last–disruption.”
portrait of Dana who, as a child, lived in the Warsaw Ghetto. She eventually
emigrated to the United States and built a life in upstate NY. As we got to know
each other better for this painting, she emphasized to me how devastating “the 45th
president’s continued dog whistles to the Proud Boys and other neo-Nazi groups
is, especially for survivors like her.”
“The day we were sent home to stay home. March 13, 2020. Essex County, NY.” (36″x48″) First we were told to stay home for two weeks. Then we were told that everyone would be working online until May. Then May turned into a year, then longer. This is a portrait of my mother, who died during the COVID pandemic.
“‘Persuadables’ of Cambridge Analytica” (16″x20″) I was admiring the light in
this space when this couple walked into the stairwell. Our brief conversation that
lead to the title of this painting happened spontaneously. #notasocialmediatarget
“Open your eyes and you will see us: Proud of my Latinx roots” (24″x36″) In this painting, Maria, our postmaster,
has chosen to recreate the event that she presents often at our local library– teaching children some of the traditions
of her heritage. Maria also wrote the title for this painting. #rurallibrarieseducate (Upper Jay, NY)
“Watching the healthcare debate: No pre-existing conditions allowed” (24″x36″) Johanna and Nathaniel are my twin
niece and nephew, and at the time this painting was made they were just shy of their 18th birthday. This painting
expresses our family’s gratitude that Johanna’s preexisting condition does not exclude her from health insurance. #sayyestopreexistingconditions
in response to the death of Travon Martin. She is now the mother of two young sons. #blacksonsmatter #whenwillitstop
“Why I Can’t Talk About Race to White People” (14″x26″) Shavon demonstrates to me what it feels like (at
times) to be a woman of color living in a mostly white rural community. This drawing was made in response
to the death of Travon Martin. #1619project #changeisneeded
“6 Things You Need To Know This Morning” (18″x36″) Matthew, our son, would often tell me that reading multiple online
newspapers and blogs is a good way to stay informed and open-minded. I have often been inspired by his effort and the
efforts of many young people who do the same thing. (Upper Jay, NY)
“Waiting for the Philosopher King” (18″x36″) I captured this view of Bruce, my husband, after yet another conversation we
had regarding the qualities he felt important for any public office– wisdom, integrity, and courage. #hope
“The Moment You Realize that ‘The Emperor Has no Clothes‘” (18″x36″) When Jim was a marine, FOX News was the only
news media played in the breakroom. At home, now, he says he follows diverse news sources. #changeishard
“Taking a Knee for Justice” (18″x36″) Larry and Jan have been married for over thirty years. Many years ago, Larry’s
grandfather was lynched in Alabama. Larry once told me that he “will never step foot in Alabama.” In this painting he is taking a
knee for justice. #colinkaepernick
“Ending the Cycle” (18″x36″) This is a portrait of Jon and his daughter. Jon and I didn’t always agree on politics. He served
two tours of duty during the Iraq War and lives according to the Greek ideal of philotimo. Despite his military and rural
experience, Jon is open to common sense gun laws. (Tupper Lake, NY) #leaningonmyfather
“Just vote—but not against your own interests” (16″x20″) This painting of my father
shows the lower point of view of a small child looking up to an adult. My dad would often
tell us that people in poor rural areas often vote against their own interests, but that he
always hoped they “smartened up.” #elderwisdom
“Fact Checking” (16″x20″) Bruce and Stephen are generally cautious in all things. This is
a scene in our household that I see many mornings as they talk about the day’s current
events.
“Podcast Meditation” (16″x20″) This is a portrait of Kathy, my good friend. She reminds me
there are things I can’t do anything about although I want to. #realistic#keeptrying
“Connecting to the Protest” (16″x20″) Bruce is writing to Elise Stefanik, our congresswoman.
He hopes she will reconsider her views on MAGA politics. #usedtobemoderate.
“An Independent Woman is Nothing to Fear” (16″x20″) This is a portrait of Charles and
Leslie. Leslie is not afraid to speak up and make her opinions known, and these are qualities
Charles says he values in a partner. #confidence #breaktheglassceiling
“Larry and Jan” (16″x20″)
“Watching History Repeat: 1933, 2016” (16″x20″) This is my portrait of my parents while
they are listening to the 2017 inauguration speech online. They repeat over and over to me
that they are shocked by some of the things being said. #republicanenabling
“Watching Human Rights Silently Legislated Away” (16″x20″) After many conversations,
Mia, Meghan, and I collaborated on this painting on about social justice. They are a new
generation with rural roots. #DEI #LGBTQIA #BIPOC
SUSAN HOFFER 