Erica Seckinger, a Vancouver, BC-based contemporary artist, specializes in expressive mixed media painting. I had the chance to chat with her about her beautiful pieces and what inspires her!
Tell us about you!
I am a contemporary artist that specializes in expressive, mixed media painting. I paint with a focus on skill and design but with an even deeper focus on colour energy and how certain colour combinations can create just the right mood in a painting. I currently live in Vancouver, BC, Canada, where I spend most days painting away in my home studio.
Where are you from, what was life like growing up?
I am actually from the Okanagan, born and raised in Kelowna, BC. From about the age of 4 you would often see me lugging around a sketchbook ready to draw all of my surroundings, including people, animals, plants and landscapes. Looking back on my life, I often preferred to be drawing rather than interacting with people, I was always quite shy and introverted. I grew up with both parents and a younger sister. My parents separated when I was about the age of 7 years old and I was primarily raised by my father after they separated. Moving into my teenage years, I spent a few summers in Vancouver with my mother and eventually decided to move there on my own at the age of 15. I completed high school in North Vancouver and eventually went on to study fine art and illustration at both Emily Carr University and Langara College.
Is there anything specifically about the Pacific Northwest lifestyle that inspires you?
I have always been drawn to the Pacific Northwest! What’s not to love? Specifically, I would have to say the ocean, mountains and large cities situated perfectly together captures my heart in a special way. I love the easy access from Vancouver to Seattle, just a quick little drive over the border for a different view.
What around you inspires you most when you are creating one of your pieces?
I am often inspired by the weather and all it’s moods and how they collide with mine. I try to interpret moments, movement, emotion and the colours that move me to create something abstract but still within reach of my surroundings.
What made you decide to pursue art as your life passion?
I am a firm believer that life is is just once, and you have just one life to be happy. Drawing, painting and creating make me happy.
What’s it like for you personally when you receive feedback from customers on your pieces?
From the moment I sold my first artworks, I realized that my art also makes other people happy and they form a special connection with my art. I love hearing feedback from collectors that my art is exactly what they were looking for. It is a great feeling to know that I painted something unique and one of a kind and someone else forms a new, special connection with it. It is also fun to send my art on it’s way to new homes, where a new life begins…
What artists from the past or present inspire you the most?
I have always been drawn to Vincent Van Gogh, I love the energy and movement in his works and enjoy reading about his interesting life story. Another artist that I love is James Abbott McNeill Whistler, in particular his Nocturne series. I love the mood and colour palettes used in his paintings, they are very striking and unique to me.
Get us into your head when you are painting. What’s it like from a blank canvas to a finished piece?
I typically work with a lot of texture and layering, so there is a lot of going back to it and waiting for paint to dry. I spend a lot of time working on the combination of everything and how it all comes together. The colours, texture, movement and energy that falls into place as one painting.
Since this is What’s Up NW, where are your favorite places to hang out in Vancouver, BC?
I love visiting English Bay, Lonsdale Quay, East Vancouver – I love grabbing a coffee and taking a scenic walk down by the beach or checking out old architecture around the city. My husband is a photographer, so we usually adventure around town with our son and he takes photos of us amongst the scenic city views.
With an insane year behind us, what are you looking forward to in 2021?
I honestly just miss everyone. I look forward to reconnecting with friends and family and forming new connections as well. I actually love meeting new people and hearing their stories, so I am looking forward that. Travelling is a big one as well, I am so ready to fly somewhere new when the time comes.
Where can we find you on social media and the internet?
