Honoring the Artist: Curt Hoppe

"It's a good place to leave it," cover artist Curt Hoppe says without remorse when commenting on the series he did about the Hamptons. Which makes sense considering that Mr. Hoppe's paintings featuring iconic landmarks like Sam's Restaurant and the Sag Harbor cinema were done several years ago. This week's cover capturing a still life from The Palm Restaurant was one of the last of his series.

Q: Now that you've finished the Hampton series, you've been involved in a seemingly altogether different subject matter.

A: After the portrait of places from the Hamptons, I started going to the Gotham Girls Roller Derby. I did a lot more photography there; it gave me new energy. That led to my series, "Girls of Action," which was exhibited in Paris at La BANK Galerie.

Q: I love that idea. What was it about the girls that inspired you?

A: They are strong, independent, confident women. I only paint things that interest me, that I have feelings for.

Q: Any other women included in the series?

A: Yes. Jell-O wrestlers, a group that's owned by and for women. Also female rock n' rollers and female clowns.

Q: Your current subjects are a lot different, it seems to me, than the ones about the Hamptons. The girls aren't mainstream

A: They are to me. By the way, there is a similarity between the subjects. They both have energy.

Q: You've lived in the Bowery for 30 years. Does that give you energy as well?

A: I keep to myself to tell you the truth. I only go out when I have to. I stay buried in my work. You know, I liked the Bowery better back when I first moved in. With the influx of new people, crime is up.

Q: Some people would call it brave to move into the Bowery when you did. Do you ever think of living any other place? I know you like Paris, for example.

A: I could live anyplace although Florence is a beautiful city. However, I couldn't take 10 minutes of Dallas, Texas.

Q: Do you think about what you'll be doing in the future? What will your art look like?

A: I may be doing sculptures, but really, I live one day at a time. It makes sense to me to keep my work interesting. If I stay with one thing, it may not be.

- Marion Wolberg Weiss

Mr. Hoppe's "Girls in Action" will be exhibiting in April at SoHo's Stricola Gallery. For more information about his work, contact La BANK Galerie.com and Stricola.com

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