#115 INSA HOFFMANN
Sometimes the deepest work emerges when we stop trying to control it. In this Inspiration Interview, Nicholas sits down with Germany-based artist Insa Hoffmann, whose shift from representational work to letting paintings find themselves is transforming her entire practice.
Insa shares her collage meditation ritual, how she works with the “shy” parts of creativity, and why surrendering to a slow unfolding has brought new depth and freedom to her art. A beautifully honest conversation about transformation, courage, and trusting the work to reveal itself.
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Click the chapter icon (the bulleted list inside the video player) to see and select any part of the video.
Chapters and timestamps are also listed below for quick reference.
- Courage and Creation: 00:00
- Artistic Evolution: 00:51
- Deconstruction and Balance: 09:25
- Expression and Trust: 37:46
- Life, Light, and Courage: 44:05
- Fulfillment and Achievements: 52:53
Click here to download the transcript
*Please note that guest presenters are not necessarily Academy members available for commenting.
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An amazing and inspiring dialog. Insa, you articulated ideas that I’ve been thinking about but unable to verbalize, and your thoughts about your process and your emotional ups and downs have given me courage to let go. I’ve heard Nick say this so many times, but somehow today it finally clicked.
Thank you so much to both of you!
What a timely video. The permission to layer and play and let your sense of space and design lead is so inspiring. Just watching this and listening gave me permission to go into action. It is beautiful how this process allows your work to flow and move from the inside out. The paper and paint together is a dance in itself. Really love this and feel grateful to have the opportunity to engage in this community.
Simply groundbreaking and profound work Insa.
So helpful for me. I connected so much to what Insa was saying. She really made me think about how I see my art and how I see myself as an artist. Thank you so much for this.
I think Insa is the CONDUIT that the visual passes through. Her psyche and brain translates the elements of the image that are felt.
I find Insa has a connection to herself that is strong. She’s intelligent, fresh, and articulate. Insa if you are looking for a new BFF – I’m signing up!
Great interview Nick. Your questions were so thoughtful. Thank-you Insa for your brilliant articulation regarding the process. I’m never without a pen when you share, because I know there will be a quotable gem that hits the mark perfectly. Your work is always no less than stunning, and I so appreciate that you share this with the rest of us.
Wow. This was such an inspiring conversation. Insa, you articulated your intentions and your feelings so well. And your work is absolutely beautiful.
My head and my heart are jumping up and down with excitement. Thank you so much for sharing.
Such a rich, warm and respectful conversation. Thankyou Nick and Insa .. the work resulting from your process of letting go . of you allowing the work to become and following what you love is strong yet sensitive … and yes, simply out, it glows. And Nick your observations about our indivuality reflected in our Christmas Tree decoration made me smile and nod my head in agreement .. we really are unique… and when we tell ourselves .. it’s all been done before .. it hasn’t because each piece awaits our particular set of hands, our perspectives and our loves.
I was so moved by this conversation. It is inspiring to hear that trust and love and courage — qualities we all have, but maybe aren’t relying on enough — are (some of) the ‘tools’ required to make authentic art. My inner self was smiling by the end of this interview. It’s the perfect time — being in the midst of the 25 day challenge — to listen to this conversation. Many thanks to you both.
I knew this would be a good interview, but it surpassed expectations. Your conversation really resonated with me on so many levels — process, inner and outer selves, painting for ourselves and not others, trusting that you already have inside you what you need to create the way you are called to and so much more. In 2026, I’m focusing on process, feeding my own soul, making art because I want to and for me, instead of trying to create things that appeal to others. Insa, the depth at which you create from your soul and from a place of love really says it all. Thanks for an enlightening conversation.
Thank you, Insa and Nick. It was genuinely inspiring to hear more about your process, Insa. I’ve always admired your instinct for colour, the way you balance intensity with subtlety, and how convincingly you capture light and atmosphere. Your compositions and your paint handling add so much interest and depth. It’s always captivating to see.