Mary Jo Hoffman: Mindfulness Through Daily Nature Photography
In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, host Angela Nicholson interviews Mary Jo Hoffman, a Minneapolis-based photographer renowned for her long-term project 'Still'. Over the past almost thirteen years, Hoffman has captured daily photographs of found nature, creating a body of work that reflects her minimalist aesthetic and deep connection with the natural world. Her dedication to her craft has recently culminated in the release of her book, 'Still: The Art of Noticing', which showcases 275 of her most captivating images, accompanied by insightful essays about her artistic journey.
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Mary Jo's career path took an unconventional turn; after beginning as an aerospace engineer, she found passion in photography, inspired by her college roommate, an art student who often invited her on weekend photography drives. For 20 years, Hoffman remained an amateur photographer while pursuing her corporate career. However, when a corporate takeover prompted her to leave the business world, she decided to embark on a new creative challenge: a one-a-day photography project. The project evolved into a mindfulness practice, allowing her to stay attuned to the subtle changes in her surroundings, often captured in minimalist compositions that highlight the beauty of everyday nature.
During the podcast, Hoffman shares her thoughts on the scientific and artistic sides of photography. While she originally envisioned photography as a casual creative outlet, the project gained recognition and she has continued her daily practice for over 12 years. Her work is distinguished by its simplicity and the meditative process she follows, often photographing objects found during walks in her local area and placing them against a stark white or black background.
Angela and Mary Jo discuss the challenges and rewards of working on a long-term project, including how she balances her artistic practice with the demands of everyday life. Hoffman also touches on the importance of staying flexible with her process, adapting her workflow to suit busy days, and the mindfulness gained through her daily commitment to photography. Her use of minimal equipment, such as a simple tripod and natural light, ensures that the process remains straightforward, enabling her to focus on creativity rather than technical details.
The episode concludes with Mary Jo answering six questions from the SheClicks community, offering insights into her process, inspirations, and future plans. She hints at a desire to explore new creative avenues, although she remains deeply committed to her daily photography practice.
This engaging conversation offers listeners a unique glimpse into the life of a photographer who has seamlessly blended her love for nature and minimalism with a disciplined artistic practice, resulting in a body of work that is both meditative and visually stunning.
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