Woodchuck 30th Anniversary Artist Spotlight – Max Hodgson
October 13, 2021
BIO:
Name. Max Hodgson
Age: 29
Location: currently Burlington, VT but typically NYC/LA, living out of my backpack
Profession: Recording Artist / Painter
Welcome to our Woodchuck 30th Anniversary blog series where we will be highlighting hand-selected creatives every week through the Fall. This year marks our 30th Anniversary and we have asked 25 creatives from across the country to help celebrate 30 years of creativity and innovation by sharing with us what creativity means to them. We sat down with each creative to hear more about how they use creativity on a daily basis and what influences their work. See below for our conversation with Max!
W- Max, thanks for sitting down with us today for a quick little interview. You seem to be a multifaceted creative in the sense that you are both a painter and a recording artist How did you get your start in the creative world?
M- I began painting and drawing when I was a wee lad, probably around kindergarten. My parents have always been involved in the art world so luckily I had some people around me who were happy to support an unorthodox lifestyle. I began making music full time in 2010 right after high school when I moved to New York. I now pursue art and music professionally.
W- That’s awesome. There are probably a lot of parallels between the two crafts. They’re essentially just different ways through which you can express yourself creatively. On that note, where exactly do you draw your creative inspiration from?
M- My inspiration and creative fuel come from all over. I think, at the root of it, creating art for me is a form of therapy. At the same time it’s an incredibly joyous experience and one I couldn’t live without. I’m inspired by other people’s work, by thoughts and ideas, by light. By personal experiences and language. Making art is how I digest the world around me.
W- We all need some sort of of outlet and whether that’s through a sport, an activity, or some sort of creative outlet like the arts, we all need something through which we can channel our energy and creativity. To us, our creativity and innovation comes through in our cider making process. We look at creativity as an opportunity to do something new and exciting. What does creativity mean to you?
M- Creativity to me is visceral. it’s a gut reaction and a physical urge in my body. It’s playful and exciting, and above all, it should be a joyful experience for the creator. Creativity is how we all make sense and have fun with the world around us. I don’t think humans would survive without it.
W- Wow, so you’re of the belief that creativity is something essential to life. Life would certainly be fairly drab without it! Being creative definitely creates excitement. The thought of doing something new and exciting is what keeps people going- At least that’s the case for us in the cider world.
W- It sounds like you have spent quite a bit of time on the east coast? Prior to joining us for our 30th Anniversary Celebration, had you had any familiarity with Woodchuck? Was there anything you learned about us along the way that has resonated with you personally?
M- I’ve known about Woodchuck Hard Cider from drinking it for the better part of the last decade. I’ve never worked with you guys before but I greatly admire any company who’s excited about the arts and uses their platform to highlight others. The fact that you make a great product doesn’t hurt either 😉.
W- Well, we’re pumped that you enjoy our creations both new and old! thanks for joining us in celebrating 30 years of cider making!
For Max’s submission, he created an amazing illustration that almost brings Woodchuck Hard Cider to life! He decided to throw it back to our origins by featuring our original cider, Woodchuck Amber, in a bottle. Head over to our Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to check out Max’s creation!
In case you haven’t noticed, we have also launched our online cider store and online merch store. If you have a hankering for some cider or you want to get kitted out with some new swag, head on over to either of our online stores to load up on all things Woodchuck!
Cheers, and happy cider sippin’!
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