Hi Erika! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a Nashville Native (one of the proud and few) and Nashville based artist. I've been married for 6 years, and we have a perfect fur baby named Lincoln.
Have you always wanted to be an artist and how did you decide to turn that into a career?
No I actually haven't. I have always been creative though. Whether it was making bracelets or drawing all over the walls as a child creativity has always poured out of me. I started painting when I was in high school for art class, but I never imagined it would be a career. I just needed the credit for school haha. I immediately fell in love though, and realized how good I was at it. Other than high school art class I am self-taught. I started experimenting with abstract art after I graduated high school for a hobby, and then I had family friends that started commissioning me to paint for them. I was blown away that people were actually willing to pay for my art.
Describe your style as an artist.
My paintings involve deep colors, bold marks, texture, and medium washes. They are inspired by my process of life, nature, and emotion.
What is your favorite medium to work with?
My favorite medium is acrylic paint. It allows for a lot of movement, and dries a lot faster than oil :)
Where do you find your inspiration?
I often turn music on and allow myself to paint being only inspired by emotion. That is why I love creating abstract art. Sometimes I am inspired by nature and I paint a certain image, but more often than not it is just me processing emotions and life. I also have a high value for aesthetically pleasing spaces. I am inspired by interiors, textures, and color as well.
Ok so we know you're from Nashville (Music City) and you've mentioned music as a way to evoke emotion. What's on your playlist?
Since I work in the music industry (I also have a full time job as a Sales & Creative Manager for an artist merchandise company here in Nashville) I am constantly listening to ALL genres of music. But when I paint some of my favorite artists to listen to are Sigur Ros, Jessie Early, Joseph, Explosions in The Sky, and The Lumineers. It often changes, but that is who I have listened to recently when painting.
You also mentioned you're inspired by interiors. What style are you most drawn to and how have you incorporated that style into your own home?
Yes! My favorite style is mid century modern with bold patterns, textures, and colors! Our home is filled with textured pillows, Mid century style lamps and tables, and a lot of black, white, and gold. I am the type of person that changes everything when we move, so I am planning on our next home to have a lot more color :)
What's a typical work day like for you? Describe your process.
My day always begins with coffee. It is a necessity. After I have officially woken up I begin prepping my canvas or my palette. I typically select the colors I want to work with first. Sometimes that is inspired by a photo, and sometimes I stumble upon my palette from mixing different colors until I get that perfect shade. From there I just start with the first stroke or splash on the canvas. I don't like to overthink my art. If I feel like I am starting to overthink it, or overwork my canvas I make myself stop. I want it to always feel like freedom, and not like something I HAVE to do even if it is a project that I have a deadline on.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
Oh man there are so many. Helen Frankenthaler, Willem de Kooning, Clyfford Still, Sam Gilliam, Françoise Nielly, Richard Tuttle to name a few of my all time favorites.
What motivates you? AND Where do you see yourself going with your life and career? Dream scenario... give it to us!
Honestly art is an innate part of who I am, so it doesn't take a lot to motivate me to create. I love being around other creative individuals, and hearing stories of others who are pursuing their dreams. Community is so inspiring and life giving to me.
With my career- there are so many galleries that I would love to get my art into. I would also love to collaborate with a few different retailers; specifically West Elm or Anthropologie. Ultimately my dream is that I can create art that people not only enjoy, but that their hearts come alive when they see it.
Where can we see your art?
This Wednesday June 21st my art will be at City Winery Nashville as a featured artist in the RAW Artists Nashville showcase. I also have a few other exhibits in the works that I will be announcing later this summer. The best place to keep track of my art and what I am doing is through my Instagram, @erikabrier.
-Thank you so much Erika! Your work is stunning and we seriously can't wait to watch your career grow! You are so talented! Contact for commission and see available work at erikabrier.com + follow along on Insta @erikabrier!
All art photography shots are property of Erika Brier. Shots of Erika by Killian Rose Photography.
