Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Wexler.
Erica, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I use my art as a personal form of therapy to help heal myself and others. I come from a family of turmoil, addiction, abandonment, and depression. I have lost two family members and a best friend to suicide. I believe one of the why many people are so 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 have always had a love for art, but I was never serious about it to the point where I had to do it. Now there is no other choice for me. I must express myself, or die. As dramatic as it sounds, it’s the truth and art really has saved my life. If it weren’t for art, I would be dead….just like my best friend, brother, and stepdaughter. Why is art so important?
I believe 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 of this, and I hope to inspire as many people as I can. I was able to turn my pain into beauty. I want others to know they can do the same.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
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 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 it’s 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 with the certain emotions you feel from looking at an image. It can bring a nostalgia from the past, present or future. Imagery is very powerful; eyes are the windows to the soul. Most of it is subconscious, it’s all subliminal, we don’t even know what it’s doing to us when we are looking at specific artwork. That’s what is so powerful about art. My hope is for my art and voice to heal people.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Going to art shows and festivals has been a key factor in connecting with other artists and like-minded people.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Website: www.EricaWexlerArt.com
Instagram: @ericawexler
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EricaWexlerArt
Next gallery group show exhibition: Garage Gallery October 27th 2018
Next festival planned: Envision, Costa Rica 2019
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ericawexlerart.com
- Phone: 818-442-2667
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/EricaWexler
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/EricaWexlerArt
- Other: www.patreon.com/ericawexler
Image Credit:
Erica Wexler
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