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

Erica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I have been a full time artist for 10 years now. It has been full of ups and downs. It has not been easy but it’s been completely worth it. There were many times I wanted to give up. I still get tested and experience resistance. My main focus has always been to keep going and never give up no matter what. It takes a lot of faith and mental strength to make a living doing what you love.

I experience ups and downs financially. Some months and years, I am doing well, other months may be a struggle. It’s important to keep in mind that it is all phases and part of the journey. When you are doing well, it’s important to save as much as you can, so when the seasons of lesser abundance comes, you are prepared to get through it.

I get asked all the time how I make a living at art. I make most of my sales online through social media apps. It took many years and consistent posting to get the following I have today. I was a live painter at festivals and art shows, but I slowed down recently on those. As I get older, I want to spend more of my time in the studio and will continue to participate in art shows because nothing beats in person interactions and getting to know your audience. My advice to anyone starting out, I would get myself out there in every way possible, and this advice still applies to myself today. There are many ways to get your art out there these days. Take advantage of this opportunity. Submit to art shows you want to participate in. If you don’t get accepted, try again next call to artist, or when you feel your work has improved. Have confidence in your voice and believe in yourself and your art. Everyone has a unique voice, and deserves to be heard. It’s difficult not to compare yourself to others or other artists. Do not fall into that trap. They are on their own journey and have their own voice, and so do you. Embrace your uniqueness.

Erica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

After going through years of trauma and drama while growing up with a family of full of turmoil, addiction and depression, I now achieve my dreams of being a prolific oil painter. I use my art as a personal form of therapy to help heal myself as well as others. I have lost 3 people who were extremely close to me to suicide, including my brother, best friend, and stepdaugher. I believe one of the reasons why so many people are unhappy today is because we have lost our connection to ourselves, to nature and to one another. I intend for my art to serve as a bridge into consciousness that we are all one and connected. I strive with every finished work to invoke feelings of empowerment within oneself and the divine connection that unifies us all.

As an artist, I try to develop paintings that speak to me and to others, through colors and compositions, about the beauty and strength that exists in us and all of life. I feel it’s my job as an artist to use my paintings to remind human beings of our roots and the importance of being connected to ourselves and nature. I would describe my style as a combination of surrealism, visionary, and fantasy. My paintings have appeared in a number of showing, exhibits, galleries, and private collections throughout the world.

I paint on birch wood panels and canvas with no tools. I do everything freehand. Sometimes I come up with a concept beforehand, and sometimes I just start with subject, a woman or animal, and the painting will evolve as I go. Often times the end result is a complete surprise. Paintings have a mind of their own and tell their own story if you allow it.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the sense of accomplishment and purpose you get from helping and inspiring others. For me, no other career could give me this sense of soul purpose. It is something I know I am supposed to be doing.

Have you ever had to pivot?

There were many instances in my life and my career as an artist that I had to change directions. For instance, when Covid hit, my life along with many others would change forever. I lived in Southern California my whole life, and I had the dream studio in my home where I made countless works of art for 4 years. I knew once the pandemic hit, life would change. I had just had my first solo show, my first teaching retreat, and was scheduled to paint at COSM for Alex Grey. My career was peaking, but when the pandemic hit, all of future events were cancelled. I was crushed but would not be deterred. I bought an Airstream trailer that was empty inside and wanted to custom build my dream tiny home on wheels with no building experience and no idea how I was going to do it. By the grace of God, I posted I needed help building this thing, and a new friend i had only met once came through to help me. Within a year, my mermaid themed airstream was ready to go, just in time as I was told I had to move as I was a month to month renter where I lived.

I moved from Southern California to Idaho for 6 months. I reconnected with an old boyfriend who was abusive. I fled for my life after a traumatic experience and ended up here in Tillamook Oregon. A friend told me about a spot I could park my airstream in their driveway. I ended up staying here the past year. Since then I have fallen in love with my soul mate and having a baby in April. Life is full of surprises as I never anticipated what is happening in my life currently. I couldn’t be happier.

My art career is different than what it used to be. Since the pandemic, I have slowed down on in person shows, and have focused on online sales. I also have produced an art book that is available on Amazon and other stores. That has been a dream come true. I am in process of creating and producing my first Oracle deck which should be out later this year.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.EricaRobinArt.com
• Instagram: @EricaRobinArt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricaWexlerArt
• Youtube: @EricaWexler