Cody Hooper - Abstract Explosions of Color

Y O U N G    T A L E N T E D   &   G O I N G   P L A C E S

Photos & Text by C. Whitney-Ward

When I walked into CODY HOOPER'S studio it was neat as a pin. No splashes of paint on the floor. No canvases placed willy nilly against walls. And no easel anywhere in sight, just a long table set in the middle of the room to catch the light.  "I guess I shouldn't have cleaned," quipped Cody with a slow smile, realizing that maybe I needed to see a bit of artistic clutter. Nope. All I needed to see was his work, which drew me in with its color,  movement and passionate surfaces.

Cody is self-taught, only beginning to paint professionally two years ago - first in watercolor and then in acrylics.  He  moved to Santa Fe from his home state of Texas last year and is already immersed in Santa Fe's diverse artistic community. He found a gallery -   MCLARRY MODERN on Canyon Road - and is in the throes of preparing for a solo show in July.

He paints on a flat surface because it gives him a different perspective than an easel and more freedom of movement. When he's almost finished, he hangs the painting on a wall to do touch ups and focus on small sections.

What I love about Cody's work are the textural stories within each painting that draw you in, compelling you to experience more.

All of his paintings, says Cody, are based on nature - flowing natural movements, texture and colors - something he learned from painting in watercolor.

Three paintings above are at McLarry Modern

C O D Y   H O O P E R

512.698.7107

www.codyhooperart.com

Traders' Collection

A U T H E N T I C   &   B E A U T I F U L

Photography & Text by C. Whitney-Ward

This life-size sculpture greets you at the door. And when you look up and around you realize that you have just stepped into a very special place - filled with stunning Native American jewelry, pottery and weavings - not to mention gorgeous vintage boots.

"I think that this is an elegant store, says owner Ira Clark below with Rita Iringan, the stores resident Navajo artist. "It's a cross between an old trading post and an upscale gallery."

And that's exactly what you feel when you wander around and peek into the beautiful old glass cases, filled with vintage and contemporary wonders consigned by  private traders and collectors.

Ira was the Director of Shush Yaz,  the legendary Santa Fe Native American Gallery that closed in 2007. He  opened Traders' Collection the following year to continue  the relationship with the galleries long-time consignment customers.

Tucked into a corner of the store is the LYN A. FOX - Fine Pueblo Pottery Collection.

Here you'll find authentic,  historic and traditional-made Indian pottery from the Northern pueblos of New Mexico. It's like finding a diminutive museum where the curator has chosen each piece for its' diverse and beautiful form.

T R A D E R S'   C O L L E C T I O N

219 Galisteo Street
Santa Fe, NM
505.992.0441

www.traderscollection.com

L Y N   A.   F O X
Fine Pueblo Pottery
www.foxpueblopottery.com