Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eric Theodore. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Eric, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

A couple years ago I decided to move across the country, from Texas to California, to pursue my MFA in Painting at Laguna College of Art + Design. While in Texas I had befriended some competitive divers, and as an artist trained in painting the human body, I had the idea to paint divers as part of my graduate body of work. I discovered that I would be moving near Mission Viejo Nadadores, where many Olympic swimmers and divers have trained. The first place I stayed in California was actually directly across the street from the diving tower. I took this as a sign. What better way to get closer to my subject than to actually put myself in their position? I decided that if I was to pursue painting divers, I would need to – through risk and all – become one. In my first practice, I remember standing at the edge of the board, shivering, feeling exposed and self-conscious, nervous about trying something completely new. I felt afraid of heights, of humiliating myself, of throwing my body into positions I had only ever imagined. I began diving lessons at the beginning of my MFA program, and now, having graduated recently, I continue to both dive and paint divers. The gamble of getting out of my comfort zone, out of the stands and onto the board, has definitely paid off. My museum graduate show sold out and I have since shown at three California art museums. My life since has entailed going back and forth between the diving pool and my art studio, keeping me refreshed and motivated to pursue my career as a professional artist.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a figurative painter originally from East Tennessee. I create detailed paintings of sensual figures that encourage introspection and reflect the duality of the body and mind. My paintings explore the body as a poetic composition, charged with emotions that are universal yet deeply personal. My goal is to present the male figure in a soft, subtly homoerotic way, fueled by a quiet yet earnest longing.

I attended Centre College in Kentucky where I learned representational painting and glassblowing. After moving to Texas for an artist residency, I taught middle and high school art. In 2022 I moved to California to pursue my MFA at Laguna College of Art + Design and began diving at Mission Viejo Nadadores. I received my MFA in Painting in May 2024 and won LCAD’s Trustee’s Choice Award. The schools I graduated from, Centre College and LCAD, together own ten of my original paintings in their permanent collections. I am the first recipient of LCAD’s postgraduate Artist-in-Residency, where I continue to develop my work.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a technically trained artist is having the freedom to create whatever I want. When I look at art, I always admire the skillful ingenuity that went into the process. After countless hours of meticulous attention to detail, I feel a great sense of fulfillment and accomplishment upon looking at my finished paintings. I appreciate when others look at my paintings the way I look at divers, with admiration for both technical execution and artistry.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

After two years as a full-time public school teacher, I realized my identity had become too much “Mr. Theodore the teacher” and not enough “Eric the artist.” While I am still beyond proud of my students and the artwork they created, in those years, I did not create any art of my own. I spent numerous hours outside of school tutoring, creating lessons, and preparing materials. I eventually came to the decision that I needed to pivot my career path when a student asked me what it means to have a career as a professional artist, and I couldn’t really think of what to say. Maybe this touched a sore spot with me, because I realized that I had cut my own artist dream short. After making the decision to change career paths, I began applying to MFA programs, which led me to LCAD. Now an MFA graduate in Painting, I happily continue to mentor students, but this time as a professional fine artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.erictheodore.art
• Instagram: @eric.theo.art