Meaning: The quote "I move very slowly. It's usually material first. I sit with the material for a long time" by Jim Hodges, an American contemporary artist, offers insight into his creative process and approach to art-making. Hodges is known for his diverse body of work that includes installations, sculptures, and mixed-media pieces that often explore themes of love, loss, and the human experience. His thoughtful and deliberate approach to creating art is reflected in this quote, shedding light on the meticulous and contemplative nature of his practice.

In the quote, Hodges emphasizes his slow and methodical approach to creating art. He begins by mentioning that "It's usually material first," indicating that his creative process is often initiated by the physical elements and materials he intends to work with. This suggests that Hodges places a significant emphasis on the tactile and tangible aspects of his art, allowing the chosen materials to guide and inform his artistic vision. By prioritizing the material itself, Hodges demonstrates a deep respect for the inherent qualities and potential of the substances he employs in his work.

Furthermore, Hodges reveals that he "sit[s] with the material for a long time," underscoring the importance of prolonged contemplation and engagement with the chosen materials. This deliberate and patient approach allows Hodges to immerse himself in the inherent characteristics of the materials, gaining an intimate understanding of their properties, textures, and potential applications. By spending an extended period of time in close proximity to the materials, Hodges establishes a profound connection with the physical components of his art, fostering a deep sense of familiarity and intimacy with the creative building blocks of his work.

Hodges' emphasis on the material and his patient engagement with it speaks to the immersive and meditative nature of his artistic process. This deliberate approach enables him to uncover the inherent possibilities and limitations of the materials, allowing for a more intuitive and organic development of his artistic concepts. By allowing the materials to guide and influence his creative decisions, Hodges embraces a collaborative relationship with the physical elements of his art, fostering a sense of dialogue and mutual exchange between the artist and the chosen materials.

This quote offers valuable insight into Jim Hodges' artistic philosophy and process, highlighting the significance of material exploration, patience, and contemplation in his practice. By prioritizing the tactile and sensory qualities of the materials and allowing them to shape his artistic vision, Hodges demonstrates a deep reverence for the physical components of his art. His deliberate and methodical approach ultimately results in works that are imbued with a sense of intimacy, sensitivity, and emotional resonance, reflecting the profound connection between the artist, the materials, and the themes he seeks to explore.

In summary, Jim Hodges' quote encapsulates the deliberate, patient, and material-driven approach that defines his artistic practice. By emphasizing the importance of immersing oneself in the chosen materials and allowing them to inform the creative process, Hodges reveals a deep respect for the inherent qualities and potential of the physical components of his art. This thoughtful and contemplative approach ultimately contributes to the emotive, tactile, and visually compelling nature of his diverse body of work.