When Surrey-based artist Petra Hoffmann was diagnosed with a life threatening illness, she turned to glass and mirror art etching as a type of therapy.
Instead of using commercial stencil designs, she chose to draw and cut her images by hand.
On Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m. as part of the Thursday Artist Talk speaker series at the Surrey Art Gallery, Hoffmann will share her inspiring journey of self-discovery and overcoming the odds.
Hear how her fresh approach to art-making helped her to heal, and how the experience of her illness has led to new initiatives, including a soon-to-be-released autobiography. A selection of etchings will be shown. Admission is free.
Petra Hoffmann was introduced to glass and mirror art etching in 1992, and pursued it with a passion for a couple of years until the pace of her life intervened.
In late 2008, she received a diagnosis of Hepatitis C, and while undergoing treatment, was essentially confined to her home. Needing an outlet, Hoffmann decided to revisit the artistic endeavour she previously enjoyed. When she realized that the commercial stencil designs were the same as those she had purchased in 1992, her creative juices started to flow and a hidden talent was uncovered. Her work can be seen at www.petrabilities.com, and the Surrey Art Gallery Association Gift Shop (located at the Surrey Art Gallery).
There will be time for questions and conversation during and following the talk. The event concludes by 9 p.m.
Surrey Art Gallery is located at 13750 88 Ave. Phone 604-501-5566 or check www.surrey.ca/arts.