Meet Elena Hoffrichter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Hoffrichter.

Elena, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, my sister was the artist. She was good – I did not want to compete with her. I was the dancer. In my thirties and forties, I was a professional storyteller and discovered that I loved the stage. I loved to incorporate music and dance into my stories.

Later, upon retirement, I found the time to concentrate on poetry and become an artist. I have always loved to write. But now, with the time and freedom to devote to it, poems seemed to be shouting to be written. As with anything, the more one writes (and reads), the better one gets. I have a self-published chapbook of my poems and art – poems written to go with the art, or visa versa. The title is “This Many Feathered Life.” My art comes mainly in two forms – pastel and needlework. I fell in love with pastel, the immediacy and brilliance of the colors. I am definitely all about color.

My needlework started out as just a way to play with the pretty colors of embroidery thread. I started with cross stitch, like everyone, but soon grew bored with the following other people’s patterns. I said, ” to hell with patterns,” and started designing my own pieces. I call it Painting with Thread, which is what it truly is. I draw the basic shapes on the canvas and then go to it, choosing colors as I go. With the free stitch, as I call it, I can get the shapes, the color combinations and the textures I want. Each piece takes a while, but it is good therapy. I like to think that my needle art is quite unique. I feel extremely fortunate that life has provided me with the opportunity and freedom to become an artist and a writer. I had to wait some years, but it was worth it.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Of course, every artist suffers from self-doubt and disillusionment. Sometimes you wonder if you are fooling yourself and wasting your time. But I don’t believe that any time spent being creative is time wasted. Art – all kinds of art – is refreshment and nourishment for the soul I think that that is what is important. Whether you become rich and famous is beyond the point.

We’d love to hear more about your art.
I don’t actually consider my art business, although I am always happy to sell a painting or a book. I am proud of how much I have grown as an artist, and I am proud of the imagination that inspires both poems and paintings.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I want to create, with my needle art, more affordable and practical products for people who can’t afford my wall hangings. You (and I) will have to wait and see what I come up with.

Pricing:

• Pastel and needlework paintings from $150 to $400.
• “This Many Feathered Life” – $20.00

Contact Info:

• Website: elenahoffrichter.com
• Phone: 3034446378
• Email: hoffrichter@comcast.net

Image Credit:
Images thanks to Douglas Pratt, art photographer

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