Jody Hughes

I grew up in a small town in Iowa, where the quiet beauty of the river and endless stretches of nature first awakened my sense of wonder. After graduating from the University of Iowa, my path led me to Texas to study fashion, and soon after to New York, where I immersed myself in the fashion industry. Those years surrounded by fashion and style sharpened my eye for detail, composition, and the subtleties of expression that still influence me today.

In time, I made my way to California, continuing my career in fashion while also discovering new landscapes to inspire me.

A second home in Lake Arrowhead became a sanctuary where I could slow down, breathe in the mountain air, and remain rooted in the beauty of the natural world. After retiring, I found myself drawn to a new creative language—art.

Charcoal, with its rich depth and delicate contrasts, became my medium of choice, allowing me to capture mood and atmosphere in ways that echo both the rivers of Iowa and the forests of Lake Arrowhead. Each work is a continuation of that journey, shaped by nature, memory, and the enduring desire to create.