Sean Hoodye

Sean Hoodye is a self-taught artist from the Los Angeles area who's works are seductive and thought-provoking. He paints using techniques which reveal texture and depth. He attempts to create a dialogue with his art.

"People need to talk to each other...there would be less pain if they did."

His works often have hidden messages and a fearless use of color. His style has become as recognizable as his talent.

Sean was raised in West Covina, California. He is an only-son born under the sign of Aquarius. He shares a birthday with Ronald Reagan, Bob Marley and Babe Ruth. This unlikely blending of personalities reveals itself when you meet him. He is handsome, charismatic, creative and thoughtful.

Sean's parents exposed him to many aspects of the arts. They took him to galleries, museums and orchestras. His early influences were Vincent Van Gogh, Frank Franzetta and sneaking peeks at his father's Playboy collection. He was raised by his mother to be well-spoken, creative and strong. He was encouraged by his father not to accept the opinions of others, but to seek truth. He was encouraged by both to be expressive. He knew he was an artist before he knew he was Black.

Sean's father was a movie buff and they would spend hours bouncing from theater to theater, together. Sean is very visual and he was mesmerized by the strength and sexuality in Conan drawings and other movie posters which lined the theater walls like an ever-changing art exhibit. He became a fan of the rock group Kiss and was fascinated by their imagery. Sean became interested in medieval weapons and he loved to draw and paint. This totality of influence and interest produced an artist who loved the intensity of struggle and found beauty where others seldom recognized it.

Sean became a law enforcement officer 25 years ago. He spent many years in the most violent neighborhoods in Los Angeles County. He was a patrolman, a detective and a member of the elite SWAT team. He used his artwork as an emotional release and a way to depict the mood of what he experienced.

Your featured artist is now a husband and father to two sons. He teaches force and survival tactics, hopefully keeping officers and civilians alive in explosive and unpredictable situations. He has risked himself for the safety of others and seen what most people have not. He has learned hard lessons which can only be known by those who survive. He has learned to find beauty in unlikely places and his work reflects his life. Come see the world though his eyes.