Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Jones.
Hi Erica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been creating since I was a kid—drawing portraits, cartoons, whatever inspired me. I studied Graphic Design and Drawing/Painting in school, but things really shifted in 2017 when I connected with the Wilmington art community. That led to me painting a mural during the George Floyd protests, which opened doors for exhibitions and helped me realize the power of my work in honoring Black stories.
Since then, I’ve grown both as an artist and entrepreneur—selling prints, showing in galleries, and building community through art and music. My work is all about storytelling and being a bridge between generations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Being an artist means constantly navigating uncertainty—not just financially, but emotionally, mentally, and creatively. There were times when I questioned whether I was on the right path, especially when opportunities felt scarce or when my work wasn’t being received the way I hoped.
Early on, I faced the challenge of gaining visibility and building credibility in art spaces that weren’t always welcoming or accessible. I’ve also had to manage the realities of burnout, working full-time jobs to support myself while still trying to pour energy into my creative practice. Space has been another ongoing challenge—having limited room to create, store, and display my work has sometimes made it feel like my art was overwhelming my life.
Through it all, community and purpose kept me going. Painting during a pivotal moment in history, connecting with people through my work, and being able to preserve and celebrate Black stories through my art—those are the things that make every struggle worth it. I’ve grown not just as an artist but as a person, learning to trust my voice even when the road ahead is unclear.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a visual artist who primarily works in acrylic paint. My focus is portraiture, especially Black subjects, with an emphasis on emotion, storytelling, and cultural preservation. I create original paintings, giclée prints, and I’ve recently been expanding into apparel that features my work.
I’m probably best known for painting Oluwatoyin Salau during the George Floyd protests. That piece led to a lot of meaningful conversations and opportunities—including being part of a group exhibition in Texas. It reminded me that my work can be a tool for both remembrance and healing.
What sets me apart is the way I merge fine art with community. I’m not just painting faces—I’m painting legacies. I care deeply about bridging generations and making sure the stories I tell through my work don’t get lost.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was a pretty quiet, observant kid—always drawing, always making something, and always tapping into history as a whole; who was who, and what was what. I paid close attention to people, which is probably why portraiture came so naturally to me. I loved cartoons, music, film, and anything that let me express myself creatively. I was also the friend people came to for advice or to vent, which I think speaks to the emotional layer in my work now.
Even though I wasn’t the loudest in the room, I was always dreaming big. I knew early on that I wanted to create and connect with people in a meaningful way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elizeofficial.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.lizeart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizetheofficial
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-jones-artist
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/elizeofficial_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/elizeofficial
- Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/elizeofficial
Image Credits
Joe del Tufo, Ish Music
