Painting is creative outlet for MES teacher
Staff writer
On a recent afternoon, two customers were discussing paintings on display at Zimmerman’s Deli in Marion. Among other things, they questioned whether a blonde woman in several portraits was the artist.
As it turns out, they were right. Marion Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Rebecca Hofer painted a series of self-portraits while she studied at Tabor College. She painted herself in place of the subject of several well-known portraits.
With help from a friend and costumes from the college’s plays that matched the scenes, Hofer posed for reference photographs to help her get the details right.
“In a way, I think it’s easier because I see my face all the time,” Hofer said, comparing the challenges of painting self portraits and portraits of others.
“I’ve liked art since I was a little kid,” Hofer said. “I like that you can express yourself.”
She completed an art minor as a student at Tabor College and did a lot of painting along the way. Hofer cited professor Shin-hee Chin as the biggest influence on her art.
Hofer continues to paint when she has spare time, especially during summers. She has a room set aside at home for painting.
Her most recent painting, “Cleansing,” shows the splash created by a drop of blood. The painting was inspired by a sermon she heard about Jesus’ blood cleansing the world.
Hofer has worked with several media in her art, including pencil, watercolor, and charcoal, but all of the paintings on display at Zimmerman’s were made with oil paint. Hofer said she likes that oil paint dries slowly enough that she can take her time and play with the colors more.
She is currently working on a “puzzle piece” project, with several smaller paintings that will fit together. She also plans on painting portraits of some of her relatives.
“My husband always teases me that I have about 10 projects going on at once, but it’s OK,” Hofer said.
She said she had thought about teaching art and has taught private lessons before, but she prefers the variety of a regular classroom.
“I like teaching all subjects,” Hofer said.
Last modified April 7, 2011