Art & Life with Erin Hammond

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Hammond.

Erin, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My story includes a road to self-discovery, the artistic fight for freedom, and the perpetual development of true passion. The oldest of seven children, I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to a musician-hair-stylist father and a Horticulturist mother who ran a fairly rigid, but creative household. My artistic abilities evolved early on as a small child, eventually progressing into high school extracurriculars and then a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art Painting, Sculpture and Theatre from the University of Wisconsin.

After graduating, I sold my first piece of art to a local downtown dealer. Then another and another, and eventually we held a showcase hosted by the hotel my sister worked at and sold over 20 pieces. I soon after left “the cornfields” of Wisconsin and moved my life and career to Los Angeles. I spent the first portion of my new life in California getting creative with ways to sell my work, devoting late nights to bouncing all over the city and showing in many events. I eventually was introduced to an art dealer in Beverly Hills. Within the next few weeks, My work was being sold globally. Since then, My work has gained a considerable amount of positive attention. Over the course of the last couple years, I’ve turned from a very figurative style to now abstract expression. Yes I’ve sold hundreds of figure paintings worldwide, but I felt my passion dying and it was time for a change — a breakthrough.

With a studio full of art history books, scripts, and journals; Erin turns not only to her own experiences but to the experiences of humanity as a whole.

“I am a firm believer that there is nothing new under the sun. You are influenced by everything around you. As a vessel of creative flow I learn from my surroundings, and as I build and create, it becomes an act of listening and letting go.

My abstract brushstrokes render the fervent rawness both physically and mentally of our humanity. I embed myself into each and every piece with fierce vulnerability. I explore thought and the psychology of responses. After an altering experience, whether it is considered positive or damaging, one must let go. Due to my feeling of past artistic restraint within religion and outward opinion, I have decided to lay myself bare. I want the viewer to witness a mental and emotional transcendence through my work while forming their own relationship with the piece. I want to teach a new side of empathy. We are exposed to a type of beauty that is illustrated by both cause and effect. We are welcomed to feel.
It’s become my responsibility as an artist and a woman to always reflect on my sincerity. That’s when people believe in your work; when your soul is bare and naked.

Can you give our readers some background on your Art.
Art Historical genres of Abstract and Neo-Expressionism completely engaged.

Alternating layers of pencil, charcoal, oil, and acrylic; Erin experiments in color and calligraphic scribble. Hammond tends to focus on the roughness of line and the immediate processes of painting; she says, “We are unfinished beings, in the process of completion. My paintings reflect that concept as I overlap with paint and pencil lines, overworking some areas and leaving other areas unfinished or obsolete”. Hammond uses the unfinished elements of her aesthetic to explore the radical fascist fashion of idealized perfection in humanity. Hammond focuses on the inner versus outer experiences.

Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I believe we should provide easier platforms and access to artists within well-known galleries.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Instagram handle: @erinhammondart

Erinhammondart.com

Art Manager:
Joe Florence: (949) 701-6215

Erin has a solo show coming in early September. Follow her on Instagram @erinhammondart to keep updated on dates.

She is showing work currently in Zurich, Switzerland and will be having a solo show soon in LA and NewYork.

Contact Info:

• Address: Studio City, CA
• Website: Erinhammondart.com
• Phone: 2625157448
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Erinhammondart
• Facebook: Erinhammondart
• Twitter: Erinhammondart

Image Credit:
Erin Hammond Inc.

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