Art & Life with Erika Flores Bermudez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Flores Bermudez.

Erika, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born in Texas and grew up in Juarez, MX. I was fortunate to be surrounded by very talented, artistic, and inspiring people in my family who painted, drew, and designed. This encouraged me to start drawing and sketching from a very young age and I found my voice there. With their nurturing and support, I spent a lot of time creating and was drawn to anything that was cool and different. I found inspiration in designers and artists who were groundbreakers in their fields, such as Coco Chanel, John Galliano, Dali, and Frida Kahlo, among others. 

Another, but equally important influence and source of my creativity, is nature. Growing up, playing outside, rollerblading, riding horses, and attending polo games with my family were the bases for a life-long appreciation for nature that I often incorporate into my work. Through nature and traveling to unusual locations, I am inspired to create something I’ve never seen before and then, like nature, the pieces evolve. 

I knew early on that I wanted to be a fashion designer, I loved clothes and understood their power to reflect and project what is unique about each person who wears them. I started sewing and modifying my clothes to represent my own singular personality, and clothing became a form of self-expression. I heard about FIDM and knew it would be a good fit. I moved to L.A. to pursue my dream. 

Since graduating, I have worked for various companies designing menswear, women’s and kids clothing as well prints, logos, graphics, custom artwork, murals and photography. 

Both my spirituality and my yoga practice keep me grounded and help me to be more present. Overall, they are a very positive influence on my life and are an integral part of my daily routine.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My creative output covers multiple areas. For example, I love designing, photography, and painting. I paint on traditional materials (canvas etc.) and I also paint large-scale murals. I am often commissioned for artwork in which case I establish a collaborative relationship with my client so that I can more successfully make their ideas manifest. Communication is essential to the success of any project.

A significant part of my work is custom-painted art on clothing. Similar to the ways in which I transformed clothes as a teenager to reflect my own personality, I want to share that experience with the world. Often, my creativity and initial ideas for these projects are triggered by stories my clients share with me. I enjoy this process very much and I find great inspiration and joy in it.

What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
I believe the role of artists has transformed and now, more than ever, art has the potential to inspire and create positive shifts on a global scale. Artists have a responsibility to use their artwork as a vehicle for change. In my case, art offers an uplifting response and counter balance to all the turmoil and change happening in the world.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My website is a good place to become familiar with my work. I also post work-in- progress and completed projects on social media. My Instagram account is @Domierikato. Any upcoming exhibits or other showings are posted in these two venues.

Contact Info:

• Location: Los Angeles
• Website: www.domierikato.com
• Phone: 310 993-8935
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: domierikato
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DomiErikato/

Image Credit:
Luis Aldana, Tyler Higgins, Mathew Arnold

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