Jacob Trouba: Hockey, Art and Making His Mark

Jacob Trouba's artistic practice couldn't be more connected to his day job as an NHL defenseman. When the Anaheim Ducks player (and former New York Ranger and Winnipeg Jet) starts painting, he's not leaving hockey behind. He's channelling his skills into a unique visual language. "I think it's kind of a unique way of mark making that's special to me and ties into hockey," Trouba explains, describing how his approach clicked when he began viewing painting as mark-making rather than trying to create a representational image. Inspired by artists like Yves Klein, Trouba uses his body as the primary tool, incorporating the physical movements of hockey into his artistic process. The result is dynamic and apstract, capturing the energy and movement of the sport.Trouba's artistic journey began unexpectedly during summers in New York while his wife completed her medical residency. What started as curiosity about what makes art "good or bad" evolved into a genuine passion. Now, he visits museums and galleries in cities across North America on the road during the NHL season, constantly expanding his artistic education. This dual identity as professional athlete and emerging artist culminated in his first gallery show at Harper's in New York .Beyond his personal practice, Trouba and his wife founded the Trouba Creative Expressions Art Program, working with adults with epilepsy to experience the therapeutic benefits of painting. "To see the excitement that they all had about the pieces they made and just how proud they were... I think that struck both of us as pretty special," he shares. Trouba exemplifies how seemingly different worlds can meaningfully intersect. Maybe art and sport aren't so different after all.  Connect with the Artalogue: Madison Beale, HostBe a guest on The Artalogue Podcast

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