Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Wexler.
Erica, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I use my art as a personal form of therapy to help heal myself as well as others. I come from a family of turmoil, addiction, abandonment and depression. I have lost 3 people who were extremely close to me to suicide. 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.
I always had a love for art, but I was never serious about it to the point where I had to do it. Well now I feel like I have to. There is no other choice for me. I must express myself, or die. As dramatic as that sounds, it’s the truth and art really has saved my life. If it wasn’t for art, I would be dead… just like my best friend, brother and stepdaughter. Why is art so important?
I believe that we are all creators. God is a creator. When we are creating, we are at our highest level and we are closest to God in this way. Expression is key to staying sane in an insane world. It was the key for me. Whatever is your dream, you can achieve it. I am living proof and hope to inspire as many people as I can. I was able to turn my pain into to something beautiful. I want others to know they can do the same.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I would describe my style as a combination of surrealism, visionary, and fantasy. I use parts of my life and what I’ve gone through to tell an interpretive story. Sometimes I start with a specific theme or narrative. Other times I let it unfold naturally as I am painting. I call my process intuitive flow, meaning I use a feeling and energy to carry me through the painting to the end result. I paint with oils on birch wood panels and usually work on several bodies of work concurrently.
Art gives you emotions. People are always trying to numb emotions but its the opposite of what we should be doing. Emotions are power, they are energy. It’s what makes us human. If used in the right way, emotions can be your superpower. They can drive you to do amazing things.
Art can heal you with the certain emotions you feel from looking at an image. It can bring a nostalgia from past, present or future. Imagery is very powerful; eyes are the windows to the soul. Most of it is subconscious, its all subliminal, we don’t even know what it’s doing to us when we are looking at it. That’s what is so powerful about art. My hope is for my own art and voice to heal people.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
The biggest challenge facing artists today is belief in oneself and that they can do it. If you believe in yourself, you can do anything, it’s not about talent.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Website: www.EricaWexlerArt.com
Instagram: @ericawexler
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EricaWexlerArt
Recent Gallery Exhibition: Garage Gallery, LA June 30, 2018 ~ featured artist and group show
August 25th ~ group show and live painting
Next gallery exhibition: TBD
Next festival planned: Envision, Costa Rica 2019
Contact Info:
- Website: www.EricaWexlerArt.com
- Phone: 8184422667
- Email: ericawexlerart@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericawexler
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/EricaWexlerArt
- Other: www.patreon.com/ericawexler
Image Credit:
“Spirits of the Sea”
“Symbiotic Synapses”
“Illusory Island”
“Break Free”
“Journey hOme”
“Love Will Split you Open Into Light”
“Kiss of Life”
“Organic Growth”
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
