Artist Bio
Hope Weiss, a native of central California, has been immersed in the arts since childhood, with pivotal mentorship during her high school years that fueled her passion. She earned an associates degree in the studio/fine arts from Modesto Junior College, where she honed her skills across variety of mediums. While versatile in areas like cake decorating, set design and mural painting, Hope’s true creative passion lies in drawing and painting on canvas and custom tattoos.
In 2020, Hope’s artistic journey took a transformative turn when she became a full-time resident artist at Elevated Tattoo Art Studio in Modesto, California, following a dedicated apprenticeship under Rob Richards. This experience not only solidified her technical abilities, but also deeply influenced her creative expression. The collaborative and dynamic environment of the studio, nurtured her artistic confidence and sparked new inspirations.
Shifts in Hope’s, personal life lead her to the world of tattooing where she discovered a profound connection between her personal growth and artistic evolution. Her recent works, inspired by this journey, reflect themes of resilience and the beauty of change. Through her art, Hope seeks to create pieces that resonate on a deep emotional level, inviting viewers into a dialogue of shared experiences and personal reflection.
Hope is a passionate artist with a deep love for all things creative. She grew up as a dancer and has been involved in numerous productions both on and off stage. Music and singing are also close to her heart, even if her only audience consists of unsuspecting clients and her family. Hope firmly believes that artistic expression is essential to humanity, with the power to connect people from all backgrounds. Gerhard Richter’s quote, “Art is the highest form of hope,” perfectly captures her outlook on the transformative power of art.
Artist Statement
When I paint, I primarily use a palette knife or brushes with acrylics, but I also consider myself a multimedia artist. A significant part of my process involves using Procreate, a digital platform that I rely on for both tattoo designs and painting concepts. I find it incredibly versatile, and it allows me to fully render a digital version of a work before translating it to canvas. This preparation not only makes the painting process more enjoyable but also frees me to focus on the physical application of the paint, as the composition and color choices have already been worked out.
This method mirrors the process I use for tattooing, where the quality of the final outcome depends on the groundwork laid in advance. Naturally, I’ve integrated this approach into my painting practice as well.
My artwork is characterized by vibrant colors and elements of light, which to me symbolize hope. Faces, strong light sources, and emotional themes are recurring elements in my work. I’ve developed a signature style marked by high contrast in both value and color. Some pieces evoke playfulness, while others prompt contemplation, serenity, sadness, peace, confusion, or even a sense of freedom. I find that channeling my emotions into my paintings helps me process life’s experiences in a positive way.
Each piece is an outpouring of something within me or a journey of self-discovery. I strive to create art that is honest, authentic, and relatable. My goal is to convey that even the darkest moments can lead to the brightest versions of ourselves if we embrace hope.
