Russell Hoover was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, attended Philadelphia public schools; a full scholarship student and
graduate of the Philadelphia College of Art.

Whether in sculpture or on the canvas, the representational now being revitalized as an important art form after years of disfavor, was
and continues to be a viable and creative force for Russell Hoover. Because although this versatile artist, product of the Philadelphia
College of Art, has a more profound appreciation of the symbolism, philosophy, and subtlety of the ideas found in the mode of
abstract, and shares in the seductiveness of expressionism, his urgency continues to work with in the form of the representational.

One strong aspect of his creative need is to portray the truth of an influential event in history, separating it from the myth or legend it
has acquired and not treating old tradition as authority - and perhaps enlightening modern perceptions. Therefore, his time and energy
are devoted to telling what he sees and senses is the truth of much that has been written, told or shown about major events and objects
of significance. And he does this with paints and brushes, hands and chisel, not forgetting that out there is an audience to be pleased,
or shocked, certainly convinced. Never does he play the shadowy game pretending to represent something on canvas or in sculpture
when in fact it does not. Consistently, Russell Hoover strives to preserve his integrity artistically and intellectually.

A love and interest in music and history have led to paintings and sculptures of the great composers and a wide range of historical
depictions and portrayals. Combining considerable patience with practiced graphic abilities, concepts are allowed to develop organically
even on canvas, permitting the artist  to eliminate the camera and its subtle tyranny.