Arizona artist spotlight: Michael Hopkins
Published: 06/07/2024
Updated: 06/10/2024
Meet Tempe-based artist Michael Hopkins featured in our Snapshot of Greater Phoenix Exhibit
What do you find most rewarding about being an artist in Greater Phoenix?
I love the Phoenix area and Arizona for its beauty and the diversity of the landscapes and ecosystems present within a day drive of the Valley. It has been my passion project to show that beauty off.
How do you perceive the role of arts and culture within our community?
Great art keeps us looking because it moves us and it’s that ability to communicate to the heart and imagination that makes art valuable and timeless. The role of an artist is to be in tune with those emotional chords that inspire and excite our imaginations.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists looking to engage with the local art scene?
Take time to occasionally shoot with and learn from other artists. Nothing teaches me as much as shooting with someone else who looks at the world differently than I do.
If given the chance, which famous artist—living or deceased—would you choose to have dinner with, and which local restaurant would you take them to?
I have always had an affinity toward vibrant color in my own photos so directors like Denis Villeneuve and Ridley Scott who are known for a creative use of color in their storytelling process are people who immediately stand out to me but now that I am thinking about it I would choose to have dinner with Victor Erice, a Spanish director who is a powerful visual storyteller capable of speaking volumes even in silent films. I would take him to Geordie’s at the Wrigley Mansion before sunset.
When you’re facing a creative block, where do you typically seek inspiration?
We all go through dry spells and creative ruts. My personal check-in when I find myself feeling that way is to increase my shutter count. Sometimes you have to go through a lot of bad shots to get to the good shots. As you shoot more you start to notice what you like or what you want to capture or communicate so for me it is a matter of shooting more. I find a lot of value in getting out alone so that I am at my own pace and can shoot without feeling like I am slowing anyone else down. You also have to turn some of your fleeting ideas into plans so that you are being intentional and getting the compositions you want.
Contact Michael:
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Sunrise Over Phoenix and Four Peaks
Photography
Digital (4:5)
$300
Sunset on Salt River Pima Maricopa Tribal Land
Photography
Digital (4:5)
$300