Sky Hopinka Artist talk- Sara Kolenovic

Choose two quotes or ideas that stood out to you. Answer the following questions:

"If it makes sense to me, then that's good enough (Hopinka, arts.gov)."

This stood out to me because it is important at an artist to place ideas, reflection, action, meaning, and value into work that they deem to be important to place out there. We cannot become the artist everyone wants us to be, although we can be what we want to be. I truly admire his strength because that is something I do not have as an artist—it is a weaker spot of mine that is a strength for Hopinka. 

"So how am I going to participate in relating these stories and making space for them using these different technologies, while at the same time, not trying to hold them as these ideals of what was lost? That’s where the negotiation comes in (Hopinka, arts.gov)."

This shows how his work revolve around what is factual as much as possible. His work may not be the traditional art we typically see within artists but seeing Hopinka being able to convey another sort of problem using technology without holding up culture that was perceived in a way that got lost is incredible. That is something that I admire and the fact he is doing this at this current moment is something that aspires me for my work.

How does Sky Hopinka use his medium of choice? 

His story revolves around poetry (words) than a pallet in itself but also it is because he wanted to show what was lost using poetry and videotaping as they all are a form of art. He manipulates the videos he records along with the language and landscape to get these astonishing results. 

What inspired him to use video?

He was able to capture a video whenever he was on a trip so very convenient for Hopinka but also because he has more possibilities due to the camera being in his hands. Hence him manipulating the videos to his desires. 

What material/medium/process do you use and how? 

I use adobe illustrator, photoshop, and drawings to corporate into my work and pieces. The process of me doing this is first that I sketch whatever comes to mind, then I start working usually separately on Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop—at times together. 

What inspired you to make your work that way?

I grew up a lot with drawing and conveying feelings into my work but I wanted something to be simple, fast, efficient, and quick. That is when I stumbled upon Graphic Design in general and started working towards on posters, magazine, and logos to hopefully contribute to society.