Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Van Dyke.
Hi Eric, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My art story started during quarantine after I was furloughed from my job. I was stressed out and anxious, and I needed a creative outlet. I had been following a couple of artists on social media who make alcohol ink art. I’ve always had a passion for art but had never heard of alcohol ink, so I decided to do some research, buy some basic supplies and give it a try. I struggled with painting with the inks at first, but it quickly became a new hobby of mine and kept practicing daily. I began sharing my hobby on social media and people showed interest in buying paintings from me. That’s when I decided to open EVDgallery, an Etsy shop. I also made an Instagram account to share my process and engage with other like-minded artists. Instagram gave me exposure and I’ve connected with so many great people I otherwise probably wouldn’t have been able to. I felt like I was shown a new world I knew little about and I have been exploring it ever since.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As with most new things, there was a learning curve. I spent countless hours in my studio (which is really just a table in my guest bedroom) and tried all sorts of techniques to create what I thought was beautiful. There were frustrating days, but others just clicked and flowed. The biggest challenge outside of the artistic process has been the pandemic. I know I’m not the only one feeling anxious and stressed because of the virus, but knowing that doesn’t make it much easier. Thankfully, my employer asked me to return to work after my furlough ended. I’ve been working for them from home during the day, then working in the studio at night ever since.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an artist who specializes in alcohol ink art. I paint on synthetic paper, then mount it to a woodblock panel. It can either be hung on a wall or set on a shelf. I’m not sure what others know me for, but I’d like to think I’m known for my use of color and metallic inks. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come in my artistic journey in the last seven months. I started without much knowledge of how to paint with alcohol ink, but I just went for it. I’m also proud of my willingness to help others learn. I get a lot of messages from people starting out with alcohol inks. I know not everyone is willing to share their techniques, but I’m more than happy to share what I know.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m not sure there is anything surprising. I’m a pretty open book on social media.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/EVDgallery
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evdgallery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evdgallery
