Karl and Mary Hofmann: Fragments of a Childhood Odyssey

During First Sunday ARTScrawl, January 4, join us for coffee and view this brand new exhibit at Wild Hearts Gallery. The artist’s reception will be celebrated with fellowship and refreshments on Saturday, January 10, 1-3 p.m.

Childhood memories are our earliest recollections, shaping our identity and well-being. As a visual artist, Karl Hofmann has transformed some of these memories into a visual journey, a series of pastel paintings for this exhibit as he takes a whimsical look at the experience of a walk to a barn in rural Germany through the eyes of a three year old boy. He uses bold colors and strong designs to illustrate the story. Mary continues the 50-year tradition of Hofmann Pottery with pieces embellished with stamped, incised patterns.

“I recalled an image of my street with its half timber houses, and being taken by my nanny Marta. Marta was a 15 year old farm girl from a nearby village and she told me that we were going on a trip to her parent’s farm in a nearby village. I recall looking at a huge bed of mushrooms in a nearby forest. They were beautiful, but I was told that they were deadly. Marta explained that not all beautiful things are what you should take home.”

After living in New England, the Midwest and Denver, Karl and Mary Hofmann found themselves in New Mexico and 50 years later they are still enjoying New Mexico life. They have been an integral part of art fairs and galleries here which include the New Mexico Potters Association, New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair, Weems Art Fair, Placitas Studio Tour and the Placitas Holiday Market.