“World as art…”
Paul Zimmerman in conversation with Erica Bren
David Zimmerman: How did you get interested in art?
Erica Bren: Ever since I could remember art has always been a destination I can escape to. Whether film, painting, fashion, architecture, music, sculpture, jewelry, dance any medium allows my mind to travel.
Art has always created an energy within me. Energy creates art. It’s a wheel of energy, freedom and self expression that keeps me captivated. That energy is what I want the viewer to experience.
DZ: What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
EB: Aligning my vision, intentions, feelings, stored inspirations and fully letting go of what is around me.
DZ: What is your artistic process? How do you create your paintings?
EB: Fabrics inspire me, it’s easy for my mind to create when I see the weave of the fabric. The interplay of threads within the textile evokes inspiration.
Once my mind is fully free art can be created. I chose a minimal palate of colors that mirror the fabric. Sometimes I will choose a piece of fabric just to see what will come out of it.
DZ: Do you have any particular goal in mind when your start a new piece?
EB: My goal is to see the artwork in a full circle: from the creation, to selling it, to hanging and appreciated on a wall. My goal is creating a piece of art that someone will love and cherish.
If it is a commission piece, I first think about the surroundings it will be in. I connect with the person and get to know what they will want in their home or office. What will complement their sacred space best to reflect their identity? Then I work to create a painting that will mirror their expectations. Sometimes it’s a “challenge piece” when I have a wild idea and simply want see if I can get what is in my mind on the canvas.
DZ: How do you know when the painting is finished?
EB: Learning when to stop is always a process. I believe less is more and the ability to capture the pure intention of a line is so meaningful. When all the features have been established and the shading is complete. I’ve learned allot from my past mistakes, and knowing the moment I went too far. I will often walk away and return to a painting a couple days later to confirm it doesn’t need any further detail.
DZ: Has your practice changed over time?
EB: The closer I get to aligning my inner peace I am able to see images clearer. This clarity creates the ability to trust my instincts. I have found a way of feeling less pressure with an artwork and letting the painting illuminate itself. I am always looking for continuous improvement, focusing on the techniques that work.
DZ: Which artists are you most influenced by?
EB: I’ve always been attracted to antiquities of ancient art. During my Art History Studies in College I studied allot of ancient Chinese art, African art, and Pacific Island art. The art is so instinctual made from the materials they had access to.
These ancient objects, whether a simple brush stroke line with ink, ceramics, coins, forged in bronze, tapestries, reflect the artistic aptitude and legacies of civilizations before us. Ancient art is pure. There is a mystery in the ancient arts beauty that has stood the length of time.
DZ: How would you define yourself as an artist?
EB: Art is an embodiment of my essence and my inner thoughts. My eyes see the world as art. Every aspect of the world from shadows, storms, wind, curve of a body, nature, the colors around me all inspire paintings. It is a translation of feelings and ideas that cannot always be expressed through words.
DZ: What are you working on now?
EB: I am currently finishing up a couple commissions and starting work on a solo show which is a new adventure in painting for me.
DZ: What is the main message of your work?
Capturing and conveying strength, power, freedom and peace through an image is most important to me.