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

Erin, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Oh gosh. I have loved to create art for as long as I can remember—beginning formally in high school, then studying Studio Art at Indiana University, exploring Art & Architecture while studying abroad in Vienna, Austria, and ultimately beginning my studio practice in 2016.

As a kid I thought I wanted to be an interior designer. I was never much into “make believe” and was really all about designing and curating my real world. Organizing my dollhouse, painting and selling rocks, and daydreaming about decorating or re-shuffling the furniture in my room. I have a vivid memory of enlisting my friends and begging my parents to let me tissue paper a colorful collage in my bedroom. And when they said no, I was like “Ok, how about my closet? The basement? The unfinished basement bathroom?” ha! It never happened, but I was so desperate to create.

I was a good student, very focused on getting good grades, and aware of the pressures of getting into a “good” college and getting a “good” job. So along the way, I leaned into what I thought I should do and my ideas of becoming an interior designer evolved into a graphic designer then into an industrial engineer then into… business? (all with a side of art). I ultimately studied Marketing and Studio Art in college (after much turmoil). I often questioned if I should major in art and minor in business? Or should I major in business and minor in art? After graduating, business ultimately won out. It looked good on paper and the job prospects were enticing. Looking back, I don’t think I could truly imagine what an artistic career would even look like. So, I started a job in Sales and then Brand Management and art fell to the wayside–just an occasional hobby here or there.

That was until about 6 years into my shiny corporate job, when I had a pretty abrupt wake up call. I just remember thinking what am I doing wearing a suit and pushing laundry detergent and diapers into grocery stores. I quit my job and set out on my version of an “eat, pray, love” sabbatical–traveling, teaching English, starting a business, and making lots and lots of art. Finally. My official studio practice began in 2016 and it’s ebbed and flowed ever since, filling the spaces between working at a creative agency, moving across the country with my husband, have two children, relocating as a family, consulting, and building a creative home. My artistic practice has become a pleasant constant that I return to time and time again.

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

I consider myself a contemporary abstract painter. I create original paintings on canvas as well as commissioned pieces. My artistic practice is an introspective ritual of looking at what lies beneath, examining the stories we tell ourselves. I appreciate the creative process as a lifelong exercise in being present and learning to live at ease with myself. Continually recounting time spent in nature, traveling, the sights and sounds of childhood, and rhythms of daily life, my paintings act as a visual memory—brought to life via free and intuitive compositions, large blocks of color, abstracted forms, and gestural mark making, otherwise known as “swiggles” and “doo dads.” Adding layers. Undoing layers. My work and my personal journey go hand in hand, uncovering a tale of millions of moments, woven together to make up my narrative—stories that guide me, and others that no longer serve me. Through my work I grapple with the evolving contrast between the gain and release of control, desperately upholding some boundaries while letting go of others.

Over the last 7-8 years my work has become increasingly abstract and expressive. Prior to that I primarily created representational art, but when I started my first professional studio practice, it was at at time of deep personal exploration, reflection, and undoing. I wanted to let go of perfection and give myself permission to pursue a life that was for me, first and foremost. I don’t recall making a definitive leap into abstract work, it just naturally kind of happened. And, what was most important for me was the dialogue I was opening up–between the work and myself, as well as between the final painting and the viewer. Art became so much more about the feeling for me than the subject or how accurately I could draw a figure, and it was so liberating! From the way I mix my paints, to how I loosely hold my paint brush, to the large marks I make, to the scratching to reveal layers and layers of paint–it’s a messy process of learning to accept what is. I want to feel something as I create. And I want to invite my viewers to as well.

I believe our environments have such an impact on how we live and how we feel. So, I want to create work that is beautiful, not necessarily in the traditional sense of beauty–because frankly I like thinks a little awkward, or off kilter, or, dare I even say, a little ugly at times (I’m a long-time fan of muddy greens and ochres). Instead, I want to create beauty in the sense of work that is moving, connecting, and alive. It is such an honor to create pieces that bring joy, and calm, and so much more into people’s homes.

I think through my artistic journey, I am most proud of having a point of view, of finding my identity, and continuing to evolve. I believe our life is made up of so many little chapters or seasons–all beautiful in their own way. Heck, I’ve “retired” and recreated myself like, I’m not even sure how many times now, in my short 37 years of life. It’s who I am. I have a lot of energy for change and for the possibility of what could be. I’m very grateful that I’ve had the privilege to explore and live out so many aspects of myself. Along the way, I’ve admired several people who have created something independently or followed their unique roadmap, so if I can help inspire that pursuit in someone else too, then chef’s kiss!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Buy from living artists and makers. It makes for a far richer experience, helps support working creatives, and builds community. Plus, handmade stuff is typically just cooler!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love being able to create something out of nothing. The creative process is a real life rollercoaster from “omg, I’m so amazing” to “this is total sh*t” to pushing through and landing a resolved piece of work. I’m proud of the grit, showing up time and time again, and the vulnerability to put myself out there. My art and my person–it’s really one and the same. So to share about my work and it’s meaning and be received by so many people who connect with my art is an absolute gift.

And, in some cases (e.g, commissioned work), helping to bring someone’s vision to reality is very rewarding too. I have a whole commission process from briefing to in-progress review to final painting and it’s a really special trusting journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.erinmarieart.com
• Instagram: @erinmarie.art
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmkingco/

Image Credits

Headshot (first photo upload): Bridget Burnett @bridgetrburnett