STATEMENT
Like many children growing up, I was the one making pictures; drawing and painting, creating with line and color. I have never lost the fascination of bringing a thing to life in two dimensions.
I begin with intuitive energy, allowing the work to lead me, moving freely using pencil and paper, lines and shapes, drawing and painting. The principle medium is acrylic paint and my colors tend toward a subtle, limited palette. Realist forms are imposed upon the relative disorder and the painting assumes it's direction and begins to take shape. Important details are embellished and irrelevant ones subdued. Humans and creatures, structures and scenery, all are subjects for exploration.
In Alaska we live in a world where the wild surrounds us daily. I was born here and this land lives in me. I strive to understand and interpret our human brevity in nature writ large.
B I O
Born and raised in Alaska, Erica studied art in New York, earning her BFA degree from SUNY Purchase in 1991. Recently retired from the construction trades, she has secured the resources to devote full time to her art. Erica's work is collected throughout the US, from the Anchorage Museum of History and Art in Alaska, to Ellis Island, New York. She lives and works in Hope, Alaska.
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SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2023. Expand your Horizons. New Frontiers Old West Museum. Cheyenne, WY.
2023. IGCA Member Show. International Gallery of Contemporary Art. Anchorage, AK.
2023. Story: Real or Not so Much. Escondido Arts Partnership. Holly Roberts, Juror. Escondido, CA.
2019. Historical Buildings of Kenai. Kenai Fine Arts Center. Kenai, AK.
2013. Paint the Kenai Mural Project. Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center. Kenai, AK.
2012. Artique, Ltd., Three Person Show. Anchorage, AK.
2012. KAKM Art Showcase Auction. Anchorage, AK.
2011. Intersecting Journeys. Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center. Kenai, AK.
2009. Kenai Fine Arts Center Biennial Juried Exhibit. (Best of Show). Kenai, AK.
2008. Pratt Museum 2008 Juried Art Exhibition. (Honorable Mention). Homer, AK.
2008. Her-Story. Ptarmigan Arts Back Room Gallery. Homer, AK.
2007. International Gallery of Contemporary Art Annual Juried Exhibition. Anchorage, AK.
2006. Pratt Museum 2006 Juried Art Exhibition. (Juror's Choice Award). Homer, AK.
2005. Faces and Places. (Grand Prize Winner). Daniel Smith Art Materials. Seattle, WA.
2004. Pastels: A One Woman Show. (Solo Show). Ptarmigan Arts Studio & Gallery. Homer, AK.
2004. All Alaska Juried Art Exhibition XXX. Anchorage Museum of History and Art. Anchorage, AK.
2003. NPS 17th International Exhibition. (Merit Award). The Art Institute of Seattle. Seattle, WA.
2002. New Paintings. (Solo Show). Ptarmigan Arts Studios & Gallery. Homer, AK.
2002. Alaska Juried Works on Paper. Bunnell Street Gallery. Homer, AK.
2002. All Alaska Juried Art Exhibition. Anchorage Museum of History and Art. Anchorage, AK.
2001. Fur Rendezvous Juried Art Show. (First Place, People's Choice). Egan Center. Anchorage, AK.
EDUCATION / STUDY
Art2Life Creative Visionary Program with Nicholas Wilton. 2020, 2023.
State University of New York at Purchase. Bachelor of Fine Arts. 1991.
COLLECTIONS
Alaska VA Healthcare System. Anchorage, AK. Acquired 2009.
McKinley Capital. Anchorage, AK. Acquired 2008.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. Houston, AK. Acquired 2008.
Anchorage Museum of History and Art. Anchorage, AK. Acquired 2004.
US Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service. Ellis Island, NY. Acquired 1991.
GRANTS/PUBLIC PROJECTS
2022. Individual Artist Award. Rasmuson Foundation. Anchorage, AK.
2014. Kenai Mural Project. Kenai, AK.
2010. 1% For Public Art. Veterans Affairs Building. Anchorage, AK.
2008. 1% For Public Art. Houston High School. Houston, AK.
PUBLICATIONS
Decker, Julie (Editor). North: Finding Place in Alaska. University of Washington Press, 2007. Page 99.
Return to Ikatan. Alaska. Feb 2009. Pages 34-37.
PROFILE
b. 1965, Anchorage, AK.
Lives and works in Hope, Alaska.
