Erik grew up on the Oregon coast, spending time outside in nature. He continues to find himself drawn to the color, texture and shapes of plants and other natural objects that first attracted him. His paintings are constructed of both abstract and realistic values, leaving the viewer to contemplate how the painting relates to the "real" world.
Meet Erik at Click! on Thursday September 13th, from 5 – 8p, during West Seattle Art Walk.
How would you describe what you make?
My recent paintings are based on nature being made into geometric shapes and colors. It contrasts the perfection of geometry with the messiness and beauty of nature.
Can you tell us about your favorite piece in the current collection?
"Desert Sunset" is my favorite of the new paintings that I have been making.
It represents a good amount of abstraction, you can see the sunset in the desert in the painting through the colors and shapes.
If you could collaborate with anyone (living or not), who would it be and why?
It would have to be Brian Eno. I think it would be really interesting to work on a sound and visual piece of art. I'm not sure how the music would work with my paintings, but it would make for a fun and interesting experience.
What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
Find something to be thankful for everyday.
Can you describe your favorite part of the process in your work?
My favorite part of the process is once the paintings are sketched out,
I get to pick what colors will work together to see how it transforms the sketch and brings it to life.
When you are in the studio, what are you listening to?
Podcasts:
99% invisible
EMBD
How I built this
Invisibilia
Snap judgement
The Moth
Music:
Charles Bradley
Wilco
Brian Eno
Kevin Morby
Moses Sumney
Howlin Wolf
Tame Impala
Pink Floyd
What is your most treasured handmade possession?
A year ago I bought a painting from one of my favorite artist Thomas Campbell. It's actually a painted surfboard fin that I framed. I've loved his art for 20 years and I was finally able to purchase a piece of his work. I look at it everyday and it makes me smile and think about how he created it.
