ERIN CLARK

Artist

Owner/instructor Artcie Studio
b. 1980
2003 Graduated from Massachusetts College of Art & Design, Boston; BFA
I currently work out of my studio in So. Hamilton, MA

REPRESENTATION

Gregg Irby Gallery - Atlanta, GA

Libby Silvia Artstyle - Wellesley MA

IN STORES

Erin Gates - online

Serena & Lily - Select stores

INSPIRATION   

I was born and raised on the Northshore of Massachusetts.  The coast has always been my playground, and is the backdrop for many of my memories growing up. I love traveling and exploring different places, but I always find myself back in this beautiful landscape, surrounded by the scenes that I live and work in daily.  The constant movement of water, the push and pull of the tides, the rich layers and textures found near the sea – is where I feel at home, and is rhythm that drives my work.   

Beyond the natural world, I’m deeply inspired by happy memories from my childhood; especially special moments and places where I spent my summers. Certain colors, certain smells can bring me such joy and nostalgia and I am often thinking of these things as I paint.

Much of my formal education is in sculpture and 3D form, and that has greatly influenced the way I approach my painting.  Working in a large scale - moving feely around the work - is where I am most comfortable.  I love to build layer upon layer, often overworking my paintings before making a conscious decision to tone them down to a finished piece.  I once had a painting professor tell me, "knowing when to stop is the most important part of painting.” This is something that has stayed with me, and a constant thought while working on a piece.  I see it as an ongoing dance on the fine line between underworked and overworked.  But in the end, I think I am always trying to identify the stillness in the creative storm.  

Art can define the arena, as well as expand it. An artist can build a box around something, or intentionally go outside of it. This is why I love working in these mediums, and have devoted my life to teaching and making art. Sometimes I like to know where I’m going, but sometimes I don’t. That is the freedom of art.