Meet Erin DeGroot

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

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
From early childhood, I was always a very dreamy, imaginative, highly sensitive child but my home life was not easy and those qualities were often stifled.

I was introduced to photography in high school and fell in love with the art form in the darkroom. Photography has given me an outlet both to express my own inner struggles as well as to connect with others in a way that helps them tell their own stories.

Please tell us about your art.
People are so fascinating to me. As an artist, I’m most drawn to people who have lived through something, people just as broken as I’ve been, people with stories to tell. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of capturing people’s true essence through beautiful, soulful images and that has been the driving force behind my growth as a portrait artist over the last several years. There is nothing more thrilling to me than watching a subject unfold into their most authentic self in front of my camera.

We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
The internet is often awful, but it can also be such a great way to find your people. I have met some of the most amazing artists and photographers through Instagram, Facebook groups and online education platforms. The key though is to take those relationships you’ve formed online and bring them into your real life. Be friendly, be open and kind to other artists. Find people you connect with and start a conversation. Do meet-ups. Attend workshops and education events.

As artists, we often have a tendency to cry out that “no one understands”. I get it. I feel that way often. It’s all too easy to sink into that feeling. You have to be willing to be vulnerable. Open yourself up to those connections with other artists, and you will naturally gravitate towards the people you need most. That has been proven time and again in my own life.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I love connecting with people through Instagram and can be found at @erindegroot on that platform. My work can also be seen at www.erindegroot.com

Contact Info:

• Website: www.erindegroot.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/erindegroot
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/erindegrootphoto

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