Today’s podcast episode we talk with Abstract Artist out of Austin, Texas, Cody Hooper. He describes his process for helping clients find that special piece or pieces and how he approaches outfitting a home with his work, matching the feelings that a client wants in their home. We also dive deep, discussing how after loosing his father and grandmother to a murder-suicide he conquered depression, anxiety and broke the confines of medications to function through painting. This is apparent in his work and the play of light and dark in his art, as he says “needing one to illuminate the other. Art is therapy.” Being true to himself and allowing his audience to see through his paintings and creations is very important to him.
Hooper studied under Southwest watercolor artist Barbara Hughes for several years, establishing his foundation as an artist and led him to focus primarily on realistic watercolors in the beginning. When he began experimenting with abstracts in various mediums, he enjoyed the freedom and personal expression and it was then he really began to flourish. He is deeply interested in the effects of color, texture and the emotional response to strong composition and design. Removing the representational and creating something that told a story without observational subject matter excited Cody.
Today, his work is a bold mix of styles, ranging from sleek and contemporary to weathered and organic. He brings a subtle and sophisticated feel to his paintings through a unique balance of color, composition and texture. His work is exhibited in prestigious galleries and featured in private and public collections worldwide.
Although Cody doesn’t live in Arizona, it holds a special place and like a magnet, it keeps pulling him back. In 2018 he did a large installation for Bob and Renee Parson's PXG private golf course in Scottsdale (pictured below) and has pieces featured in the Andre Kohn Fine Art Gallery in Old Town Scottsdale.
