Erica Jackson
Erica Jackson is a painter born in Central Vermont. Her work primarily focuses on landscapes and architecture and the way people interact with them. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2006, and since then has been exhibiting her work in the United States. She is interested in creating evocative paintings that explore light, shadow, color, and dramatic compositions, which create an enigmatic mood for the viewer to enjoy. She is influenced by the Dutch masters, 19th-century American Impressionist painters, the Hudson Valley School, and Modern Regionalist painters.
Ms. Jackson has exhibited on the East Coast, from Pennsylvania to Maryland, and in Chicago. Select group exhibitions in Philadelphia include the Dupree Gallery, the University of the Arts, and the Framers Workroom and Gallery. Her work has also been published in Clover & Bee Magazine and online at Exhibizone.
She works from her studio in Philadelphia, PA.
Contact
www.erica-jackson.com
erica@erica-jackson.com
@erica_jackson_art
Interview
What inspires your art practice and keeps you motivated?
My work explores the world around me and the many beautiful and eye-catching sights I see and am inspired by, including architecture, people, and nature. I try to highlight the special moments you can see when you’re taking your time to enjoy the scenery instead of hurrying past.
How does your mission as an artist influence the work you create?
I’m inspired by architecture with unique colors and patterns, as well as the way colors and textures contrast and complement each other in nature. I’m also interested in how people interact with the world around them, so I often incorporate a person into the painting if it works for the scene. I use fluid acrylics on watercolor paper as my medium because I enjoy the way the paint builds up in gentle layers, and how the colors can go from delicate to saturated depending on my intent with the piece.
Can you share a key part of your creative process that helps you stay focused?
When I am working on a collection, I make sure to dedicate time most days to paint for at least an hour. This assures me that I am progressing even a little bit on each piece of art I’m working on and keeps me working towards my goals.
What mindset tip do you rely on to overcome challenges in your art career?
When I come up against challenges and things seem really hard and confusing, I just keep going. Perseverance is key. I invest time in taking classes to further my knowledge and work towards utilizing what I’ve learned in my art career. As long as I’m trying and not staying still, I’m progressing.
How do you hope your art impacts the world or your community?
My hope is that the viewer will enjoy the scenes I paint and will also be encouraged to spend some time looking at their surroundings and appreciating what is around them because there’s so much to see and admire.
