Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Hodgson.
Olivia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Brookhaven, Mississippi. I was homeschooled from first grade up to the twelfth grade. I started my college years at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, where I obtained my Associates in Art. I’m now working on obtaining my Bachelor’s in Visual Arts with a concentration in sculpture here at SouthEastern Louisiana University. After I graduate, I’ll be pursuing a Masters in Fine Art.
Ever since I was very young, I’ve always been drawn to fabric, string, and color. The concept of different soft materials being sewn together was absolutely fascinating to me. When I was 13, I enjoyed crocheting blankets and pot holders for all my family members. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned about textiles and soft sculpture and apply that approach in fine art to my craft.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a bumpy road to an extent. I’ve always had a problem of not being very confident in my work. I have always been my biggest enemy, and self-doubt is one of my biggest obstacles I face. When I’m working on a piece, I’m constantly worried that it might not be good enough. For young women working on their studio practice, don’t give up on your work thinking it might be bad. Someone out there will love your art, even if you might doubt it, I promise you that your art and your studio practice is extremely important, and you should never give up art.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I work in soft sculpture, fiber art, and textiles. I enjoy many forms of yarn and fabric, but I particularly enjoy crochet and weaving. On campus, I’m usually know as “the lady with her yarn basket”. I think what I’m most pleased about my work is how I approach the art of textiles. In a traditional sense, we usually knit or crochet a blanket, potholder, hat, etc. to serve a functional purpose. I want to make art with a traditional “women’s craft” to show that it doesn’t have to serve a purpose. Blankets aren’t just functional, they in themselves are works of art.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I feel like we are becoming equal with men in society, and at times surpassing them! There are many opportunities for women in art, but it’s all about how hard you work for that opportunity or position. In gallery spaces, working hard to get your work in and get a good artist statement in can be very rewarding, and when others see your work, it can lead to many more opportunities! I feel like there are many opportunities for women in art, it’s all about how hard you’re willing to work to achieve it.
Pricing:
- Sculptures – $300 (prices can be negotiated)
- Textiles – $150
Contact Info:
- Email: oliviahodgson1997@gmail.com
- Instagram: olivia_the_sculptor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivia.hodgson.378
- Twitter: @MissArtwork
Image Credit:
Olivia Hodgson
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