Artist Interview | Emily Hoerdemann
Become acquainted with perhaps a few unknown dimensions – thoughts, ambitions, wisdoms, life changing moments – of this inspiring artist.
When it comes to your art/writing, explain what you do.
Characterized by their small scale, my works are desktop paintings and photo collages culled from the pages of fashion magazines, advertisements, and contemporary art auction catalogs. The work draws on an obsession with organization, and as a result, each work is a delicate placing of aesthetics and colour.
What project are you working on now?
I’m working on a few bodies of work currently, but mostly collage studies on paper and photographs for my Photo Interventions series.
Why do you do what you do?
I’m feeding the creative impulse; I’ve made art all of my life. I grew up with an artistic mother and was always handed art materials to fill my time. I think that’s translated into a meditative practice. As I’ve grown older, I cannot now go for a long period of time without creating or thinking about creating.
What is your strongest childhood memory?
Midwest rainstorms—going with my mom to her art school studios during rainstorms and getting to play in the different mediums. This was my first access to art supplies other than crayons, and doing so was very informative. I have some photographs I snapped attending one of my mom’s field trips!
What is your scariest experience?
Packing up all of my things and moving to New York because I never lived anywhere except my hometown.
Describe a real-life experience that inspired you.
I feel like inspiration is always flying around the city. Going to see art is so important—and I’m very lucky to live in a city where creativity is constantly fed. Most recently, I did a walkthrough of a museum exhibition with the artist—hearing his stance on the work really inspired me to look differently at my own practice and thought processes.
What superpower would you like to have and why?
Teleportation—personally, so I could visit my family more, and professionally, so I can keep up with what is happening in the art world!
What is your pet peeve about the art world?
That it can be perceived as inaccessible, so it’s avoided. I think no matter what gift you have to share, you should share it!
What is your dream creative project?
I really want to write a book about the art collection I manage. The collection is absolutely incredible, and the collectors are amazing people.
Which place in the world do you find to be the most inspiring?
Home. Hands down. I can travel and see shows and experience new cities, but when it comes down to it, I really get the juices flowing at my worktable at home where I can get my hands moving and work through ideas.
Do you make a living off of your art?
I am lucky enough to have a career in the arts! When I am not managing a private collection, I’m creating art—and vice versa! Both worlds inspire me and inform each other. My job affords me the ability to have immense creative freedom—and that is priceless!
What’s the most indispensable item in your studio/practice?
A pair of scissors! Or maybe a stick of glue.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Be patient and let your accolades reveal themselves in time (no one wants to listen to a bragger).
What are your hobbies?
I love to garden, and although it sounds silly, I love to organize and reorganize my space. I also read a lot and am in an art book club. We specifically read only art-related books!
Creatively, where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Right now I’m confined to doing small-scale work due to working in my Brooklyn loft—I would love to be able to translate my work into a bigger format.
Emily Hoerdemann was born in 1985 in Peoria, IL, USA and is currently based in Brooklyn, NY, USA. Visit www.emilyhoerdemann.com
