Art has been a part of me since I was born. My mother recognized my love for it early on and encouraged me to be creative, drawing and painting from a young age. I attended art school from ages five to seventeen, spent a summer at Cornell University’s art program, and later earned a BFA in Advertising Design from Syracuse University.

In my freshman year, I explored painting and sculpture but soon became interested in the blend of art, design, and business - Communication Arts. I applied to the program and was one of only 20 students accepted. During this time, I attended a summer program in NYC, where I met top industry professionals like Herb Lubalin and Milton Glaser, as well as creative directors and designers at *Rolling Stone* and other magazines and ad agencies. It was a fascinating and inspiring experience. The highlight was meeting Andy Warhol and Fred Hughes at Warhol’s Union Square studio. Shaking hands with him, surrounded by his paintings, was the best moment of my life. Warhol’s ability to combine fine art, design, and business in a mainstream way deeply resonated with me, and I aspired to do the same.

After graduation, I worked as a designer in advertising agencies and publications, eventually starting my own agency and moving to NYC. I was fortunate to be part of the era when Steve Jobs introduced the Apple Mac, which completely changed my life. I feel incredibly lucky to have had traditional design training while embracing new technology that allowed me to bring my visions to life right before my eyes - something I continue to do every day.

After many years of working on the Mac, I rediscovered my passion for traditional art through monotype printing. I had the privilege of studying under Gina Torello, a remarkable Monmouth County arts educator, for over a year. This journey also led me to explore the postdigital art movement, where technology and analog art intersect to create innovative and captivating works. Each piece in this collection is an intentional blend of digital art and monotype prints, and represents the beauty that emerges from life’s misalignments and moments often overlooked.

I hope this art brings you as much love and hope as it has brought me in creating it.

                                                                                                                           — Ilene Hillary Hinden