Artist of the Month: Hope Moreno
By: Amber Ford, The Mountain Times
For many, the idea of creating art is a way of releasing energy and ideas into a medium that accurately fits a mood or emotion. For others, it’s a means to an end. But for Mt. Hood Villages resident Hope Moreno, being an artist is much more than a creative outlet; it’s a way for her to feel connected to her community.
A resident of The Mt. Hood Villages since July of 2022, Moreno finds herself diving deeper into her creative realms, extracting ideas, colors, and patterns that inspire thought. Skilled in a variety of techniques. She says, “I am a mixed media artist whose work blends gouache, acrylic paint, ink, and acrylic markers into layered, story-rich pieces inspired by nature, spirituality, and the emotional landscape of being human.” Her art is a means of expression, and she understands the energy and power her work has, adding “My art often explores themes of healing, transformation, grief, and remembering who we are, weaving together symbolism from the Pacific Northwest, tarot, folklore, and the natural world.”
Like so many other gifted artists, she was self-taught, exploring the world around her and inspired by those in her family who also used art as a healing medium. “My mom enjoyed making art, and my grandfather on her side was an oil painter. He never sold his work, but I like to think that creative spark found its way to me,” she said. “Everything I know has come from years of practice, trying new techniques, making mistakes, and following the ideas that wouldn’t let me go. My journey as an artist has been shaped more by lived experience than formal training, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Although she feels most connected to her visual art, Moreno’s skill is not limited to one particular form. “I’m also a poet and writer, and I find that words and images often inspire one another,” she said, adding “whether I’m writing a poem or creating a painting, I’m telling a story and exploring emotion.” A well-rounded creative, she has also explored more domestic forms of art. “I love interior design and collage work,” she said, adding “I enjoy creating spaces that feel inspiring and meaningful, much like I approach a piece of art.” She went on to say “collage has become an important part of my mixed media process, allowing me to layer textures, symbols, and stories into each piece.”
While living so close to The Mt. Hood National Forest can give even the noncreative inspiration, for artists such as Moreno, history and her own backyard are a treasure trove of inspiration. She explains that, as a child, renowned French impressionist Claude Monet was always of great inspiration. “I’ve always admired the way he captured light, color, and atmosphere.” She went on to acknowledge the work of those in her own community saying “today I’m inspired less by a single artist and more by the incredible community of Pacific Northwest photographers and artists who capture the beauty of this region.”
Although she has a plethora of inspiration between her family, friends, and artists past, her work lately has been in large part her continued appreciation of The Mt. Hood National Forest. “Living on the mountain has completely changed the way I create,” she said, adding “whether it’s the colors of a sunrise, the glow of the moon through the trees, or a wildflower catching the afternoon sun, I’m always noticing little moments of beauty. Living here has taught me to slow down, pay attention, and let nature guide my work.”
Moreno’s work can be seen on her Facebook page at Flame & Root Alchemy, on Instagram @the.wild.alchemist, and on TikTok @flameandrootalchemy. She also hosts a community creative class at Vinyasa Casa every other Thursday.