We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erin Oostra a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Erin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Imagine taking a leap of faith to pursue your true passion and live a more fulfilling life. This is exactly what I did when I quit my corporate design job to become a full-time artist and gallery owner. It was a risky move, but the rewards have been immeasurable.

Now, instead of sitting in endless Zoom meetings, I am actively engaging with my local community and creating art that truly speaks to my soul. And although relying on art commissions to pay the bills can be nerve-wracking, the thrill of waking up each day to pursue my dreams far outweighs any uncertainty.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

My name is Erin, and I’m a graphic designer, artist, and art gallery owner. I have always been drawn to the world of visual design, and I started my career in Seattle, working on marketing and product development teams for companies such as Nordstrom, Picmonkey, and Shutterstock. While pursuing my career, I was simultaneously exploring the Pacific Northwest and constantly inspired by the beauty I saw around me. I began to create art pieces in my spare time, and as my collection grew, I started to sell more and more of them.

As a marketing and design professional, I used my skills to promote myself and my art, eventually leading me to move to Ellensburg, Washington. It was here that I met the owners of Fortuity Cellars, and we became good friends. Just over a year ago, they approached me about expanding my art career and we decided to open a joint business venture. I opened Nuwave Gallery alongside their new wine tasting room in Ellensburg, Washington. I now own and operate Nuwave: a contemporary art gallery featuring my own work, along with a diverse portfolio of rotating artists. In collaboration with Fortuity Cellars, we have created a space for people to enjoy wine, get creative, and be inspired.

Our mission at Nuwave is to showcase artists, create a space for people to gather, and support those who help make our communities better. We curate a collection of artists and also have a permanent installation called the Community Wall, which highlights creatives in our community.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the way I’ve been able to combine my passion for art and design with my entrepreneurial spirit to create a space where people can come together and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. I want to break down the belief that art is stuffy and uninviting and show people that it can be a healing escape for everyone.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I have learned that vulnerability is a central part of all artists’ work. Whether it’s a painting, a digital collage, or a mural, every piece I create comes from my heart and soul. I believe that creatives have a unique perspective on the world that can breathe new life into seemingly mundane things. That being said, one piece of advice I always give is to be kind. We are all at different levels in our careers, and it takes a lot of courage to share our work with others. If we can all remember that, I think we could create a more supportive and uplifting creative community.
Another misconception I’ve encountered is that people assume I spend all my time making art, thus making me someone who lives in la la land, rather than a practical reality. While I do spend a good portion of my time creating, the rest of it is spent building connections, managing finances, restocking supplies, and figuring out how to get my work in front of more people. As an artist and gallery owner, I work hard every day on practical business-building tasks, in addition to honing my craft.
So if you’re not a part of the art world, don’t be afraid to connect with creative people. We might have different perspectives on the world, but we’re all working hard to make our dreams a reality, just like anyone else.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As an artist, my mission is to capture the raw beauty of nature that surrounds us and inspire people to connect with it. Nature has been my source of strength and inspiration, and through my art, I want to share the healing power of nature with others.

But that’s not all. I also strive to inspire people to pursue their passions, to start that project they’ve been dreaming about for so long. It doesn’t matter if it’s not in the creative realm, as long as they find their own way to grow and find joy.

And I’m not just doing this for myself. I want to make an impact in my community and make a positive change in the world. That’s why I created a community wall in my gallery, where anyone can donate their work and showcase it, regardless of age or skill level. And all proceeds from the community wall go to a different local cause every quarter. I believe that if I am not bettering my community along the way, then it holds less value to me. I know there are countless ways to help others and make an impact, and I am just getting started.      

Contact Info:

• Website: erinoostra.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinoostra/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinoostra
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinoostra/
• Other: Art gallery: nuwavegallery.co / IG: @nuwavegallery

Image Credits
Erynn Brown @erynnbrownphotos Breanne @brerachellephotography Zach Bergren @zachbergren