Artist Statement

I, Ben Hoaglund, am an oil painter with the primary focus of encapsulating the essence of “breathing” and “freedom" into my work. These are ideas from the philosophy of existentialism; the belief that there is no inherent purpose to life. I use that philosophy to free myself and allow myself to choose what my purpose is. This blends its way into my painting through various symbols and the personal journey I go on through painting. These symbols are the Koi fish representing perseverance and the unwavering will to move forward as well as various flowers representing hope, rebirth, tranquility, and determination. The physical paintings are a temporal manifestation of what matters to me, the understanding I gain of my life. This process has taught me to let go of expectations and live in the moment. Painting has become breathing, and through breathing I become aware of myself and the world surrounding me.