We're loving this new vibe of Eric's wildly colorful and playful pieces. We had to get the scoop, and share it with our fans and fam!
Agent Peach ⁃ What made your work take this direction?
HiERICBRO - I’ve been working in acrylic and exploring color combinations. Still shooting for flat fields of color and laying them next to each other. This started me focusing on a clearer message on the animals themselves. Still wasnt sure of where I was heading, just kinda feeling my way around a bit.
I like seeing the contrasting colors competing with each other. It has the feel of punk rock posters and skateboard graphics. The stuff that has inspired me since I was a young pup.
I was getting a chew toy for Sumi, my Corgi ….
And there was a toy that was made from Boar, in a ring. Literally a “Boar Ring” (get it?). It rang a bell with me!
My earlier pieces have this feeling too. Animals are in leather jackets and the title has the word play or a pun. Red, black and white combo has roots in the art of a ton of early cultures.
I thought back to the “Boar Ring” what if I make the work be about the about word play? Then the image gets to be the message. It can live on in another form, like a mural, a t-shirt or a poster.
I gave myself a set of guidelines. It would be an animal and a word, and that’s it. Once I figured out all of that, I’ve been off to the races. My sketchbook is loaded with thumbnails of pieces ready to go. Makes me want to be in the studio as much as possible. Its a fertile time for ideas.
I like the challenge of finding these It’s not something I can get a book on or look up online….. The 10 dollar term for this is Colloquialism. Basically it means local sayings. It’s all discovered through word of mouth. Just like telling stories, local lore and urban legends. Ive returned to that same process.
Talking to people is the way to uncover more ideas for paintings. Once I lay out the rules, my friends are happy to help. Its like trading jokes or a place to find a good meal. Everybody has a personal favorite. (if you’re reading this and you think of an idea, be sure to hit me up, I’m always on the hunt)
Right now I am spending about 4 hours a day in studio, and I feel busy the entire time since things are planned out for the next 4 dozen paintings or so.
I layout things before I begin whenever I can. Tho, sometimes I do select the colors in studio to try my best not to repeat the colors combo. That way the pieces have their own voice
AP ⁃ Is there a favorite one you’ve made?
EB - I really love them all! Each one of them that I paint makes me want to paint more.
I've been doing a lot of word play paintings "Cold Turkey, Dragon Behind, Easy Tiger ...etc"
You've always been good at those sayings. if you think of any, could you send 'em my way?
AP - YES, WE SURE WILL!
Eric has a solo show coming up at Eye and Hand Society in The Richmond district of SF, opening on Nov 2nd. So be sure to keep an eye that!!
❤️
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