Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Richardson.
Hi Erin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
So many people watch before me so that I could journey on the path that led me too who I am and where I am today. I would summarize my story as a journey filled with family and community support, as well as many serendipitous God moments that got me to this point.
I’ve always been a creator and always wanted to help people in effect positive change. I knew that I wanted my life to reflect those values at a very young age. I think college was really a turning point for me and trying to figure out who I am and how I wanted to show up in the world. I studied abroad which opened my eyes to how big and diverse the world was and is, I began exploring my creative outlets more intentionally, and I discovered occupational therapy through many conversations with a career counselor. It was all God that many life-changing experiences and conversations were had during that season in my life.
After college, I moved from my home in St. Louis to Atlanta to pursue my career in pediatric occupational therapy. Along the way, I realized that I had a growing desire to learn/explore more and create more. I have since then pursued visual artistry and my certification as Doula.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the pursuit of our dreams, I think we all come across obstacles, whether big or small along the way that try to knock this off our path, but what I have learned is wherever you are, every moment of that journey is exactly where you’re supposed to be. Our journeys are not linear ones and that’s where the growth really happens.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work shines light on outdated and false societal tropes about what it means to be black in America and seeks to change the narrative through repeated mantras, intentional use of line, and color. My work also explores themes of mental wellness particularly in communities of color. Each piece or collection of pieces gives way to freedom and fluidity with abstract gestures and sculptural nuances in an effort to express various emotions and encourage “out of the box” internal thought and processing. My works are linked not only by subject matter but also by my use of materials. I primarily work with ink and acrylic on canvas or paper, but am looking forward to growing deeper in my sculpture practice. I hope to continue exploring different mediums as new ideas arise and call for a shift in material use. I use historical and experiential research to inform my use of color and improvisational gestures. My work is grounded in my identity and intuitive thought processes.
Artist Bio
Erin Richardson is an Atlanta-based visual artist and community care advocate. She received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Saint Louis University in 2014 and has since explored how she can merge art and her healthcare background into her practice. Through abstract mixed media works, she explores the intersection between identity, faith, and mental wellness. Inspired by the works of Alma Thomas, Lillian Blades, and Glen Ligon, Erin uses gestures, mantras, and intuitive strokes to articulate her feelings about issues of social justice and explore her identity as a black woman living in America. She is inspired by black culture, family, and color theory and aims to continue growing her practice and exploring art and story preservation. Her ultimate purpose in creating is that people would be moved to explore themselves and the world around them a little deeper; that people would find peace and grace for themselves in each piece.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The last couple of years, trying to do life through the COVID pandemic have really shifted my perspective in so many ways. It made a lot of us pause, rethink what’s really important and what is really valuable to us. I learned that in the ways I’m ambitious about my goals and trying new things, it’s also equally important to be ambitious about rest and doing absolutely nothing. Being an introvert, I also enjoyed more of the stillness and ease. Less cars on the road, less “things” on my calendar, less places to be which really provided the space I needed to hone in on my art practice in a way I hadn’t been able to before.
The last thing was something I already knew but was really driven home during the pandemic which was the importance of family and community. I saw people come together virtually, through Instagram, to provide mental health support, workouts, and spaces for us to continuing to connect as well as navigated this unknown territory TOGETHER. People supported each other more, advocated for each other more, and made space on the internet for more real connections. I learned that all people really want is space to be themselves, honest connection, safe spaces, and to be loved.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.SelfCareSavesCo.com
- Instagram: @e.nicoleart
Image Credits
Rikki Brew with envisioning freedom photography Zach Thomas photography Lon Richardson
