How I Fell in Love With Art
Growing up, I was introduced to art and art appreciation at a young age. Pictured to the left is 8-year-old me sketching on the Des Moines Art Center garden lawn. In the left-hand side of my folder is a sketch of Alberto Giacometti’s 1947 sculpture L’homme au doigt (Man Pointing).
Visiting the art center was a pivotal moment for me as a young creative. Having an accessible way to be introduced to all of these wonderful artists was more than helpful in getting the inspiration flowing in my young mind.
Even today, I continue to be inspired by the amazing talent and creativity I see in other people’s creations. So without further ado, enjoy my origins into becoming an artist!
Edward Hopper
Morning Sun (1952)
Edward Hopper
Nighthawks (1942)
Edward Hopper
Edward Hopper (1882-1967) was an influential American painter specializing in Impressionism and Realism. His work focuses on themes of isolation, detachment, and silence.
The first Hopper work I ever encountered was “Automat” at the Des Moines Art Center. Recently, I discovered that this moment was captured on camera.
Automat
“Automat” is a 1927 painting that depicts a young woman dining alone at night in an Automat—a 20th-century waiterless cafeteria where freshly prepared food and drink could be bought with coins from vending slots in the walls.
The reflection of the ceiling lights stretches infinitely into the darkness behind her. There is no sense of uncleanliness or disorder. The fluorescents cast a yellow hue over the soft blue of the table, the green of her coat. She’s removed one glove to better grip her teacup. Her coat, other glove, and hat remain on. The seat across from her remains empty. She’s poised as if she doesn’t have time to settle into the seat, yet she remains firmly seated at her table, gazing into the bottom of her teacup.
This painting feels like time stopping to me. It’s silent, peaceful, perhaps mournful.
Over the years, I have spent hours trekking to the art center, finding “Automat,” and staring at it for as long as I can.
Between the Des Moines Art Center and my older sister, I was surrounded by such amazing creative outlets when I was younger, it comes as no surprise to me that I grew up continuing to love appreciating and creating art.
After discovering Edward Hopper, I began to learn more about artistic movements. I began a list of artists whose pieces moved—and continue to—move me to this day. Even now, my art is constantly evolving. I continue to appreciate the art I see around me, and do my best to create meaningful work.
If you would like to follow my journey with art, check out some work, or reach out for a commission, I’m active on Instagram, Facebook, or by email at ajpetersenbusiness@gmail.com.
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