Erica Eash
Erica Eash (aka Heartbreak Betty) is a Michigan-based, self-taught collage artist who has explored creative expression through collage ever since she was little. She loves working intuitively to create something beautiful as she pieces together existing imagery in new and unexpected ways. She uses collage to create portraits of women who look like they could conquer the world if they wanted to. She loves playing with contrast and contradictions, and has a particular passion for dancing between pretty and gritty as she navigates what it means to be a strong, yet delicate woman in today’s society. With a background in creative writing, she prioritizes creating pieces that inspire the viewer to ask what story is being told rather than telling a clear story for them. Fairly new to the art scene, she is excited about what the future holds for her artistic career.
Contact
erica.eash@gmail.com
@heartbreakbetty
Interview
What inspires your art practice and keeps you motivated?
I'm inspired by my personal experience of being a woman, particularly one who is quiet, yet strong. All of the women in my pieces have an edge about them that suggests they should not be underestimated. I'm also very inspired by fashion, color, the mixing of patterns, and ornate architectural details. I am, by nature, a quiet person, but there's nothing quiet about my art (or my sense of fashion). Collage is the easiest way for me to express myself in a bold and unexpected way.
How does your mission as an artist influence the work you create?
My mission as an artist, and as a person in general, is to improve the lives of those around me through moments of quiet connection. I love using my art as a vehicle for this by prompting people to have conversations they might not otherwise have, making someone smile, allowing someone to feel seen or empowered because they identify with one of the women I've created, or just making someone feel inspired to unleash a little bit of their inner sassy lady (you know we all have her in us).
Can you share a key part of your creative process that helps you stay focused?
I don't push the process. I like to work when I'm in more of a flow state, so if I sit down to create and things aren't clicking, I'll take a step back and try again later. But I always show back up for myself and for the piece I was stuck on. Often, if I'm fighting with a piece for hours, after stepping away, it will flow seamlessly the next time I sit down. I also create both digital and analog collages, so I allow myself to jump freely between the two depending on what's speaking to me in the moment.
What mindset tip do you rely on to overcome challenges in your art career?
I'm still fairly early in my professional art journey, but I'm always reminding myself that at the end of the day, as long as I'm proud of the work I'm creating and enjoying the process, this is what really matters. I know my work won't resonate with everyone, but if I feel good about it and I'm creating it from a place of love, I know it will resonate with someone.
How do you hope your art impacts the world or your community?
I hope I can show people that no matter how quiet you are, how small of a town you're from, how much you've struggled, and how much you might not feel like a real artist because you're doing things like creating while sitting on the living room floor (because you don't have a studio or an art room), these are all a unique part of your story and the way you experience the world. You have to be your own biggest champion. Don't be afraid to do the work and see what happens! I don't believe we will ever regret showing up for ourselves or our art.
