ERIKA PEARCE
Erika Pearce has been making an impact on the city with a fresh, vibrant approach to painting in particular murals around the city lift drab wall and bridges into works of art that reflect our environment and culture.
How did the whole art passion start?
I can’t remember not being creative, I still have vivid memories of painting rainbows in kindergarten daily! I struggled with learning difficulties and dyslexia at school but always felt comfortable with art supplies in front of me. I realised in 5th form (age 15) that if I actually applied myself, I was actually pretty ok at this art thing! We were going through some pretty heavy stuff in my family at the time, working hard at my art and design subjects were not only an outlet but also my way of showing my mum and dad that I was trying hard and staying out of trouble. I went on to study graphic design and illustration at AUT, then worked as a designer for a great signage company before going freelance in 2012. I have always painted, drawn and created throughout my life.
Really colourful! I aim to create work that is beautiful when you first see it, yet it is full of layers of depth, meaning and storytelling for you to unravel and discover. I find it really interesting hearing how my paintings resonate and draw feelings and emotions from different people.
Describe your art?
I love painting female portraits that look at and engage with the viewer. My work is often inspired by nature and the ocean.
How would those that know you describe you?
I was completely stuck as to how to answer this question! So I reached out to close friends, old and new, and it was such a nice thing to learn. They described me as a water baby with a strong love for nature. Bubbly, passionate, extremely kind, supportive, strong and open-minded, a little shy at times, a free spirit. Someone who loves the small things in life - a beautiful sunset, great food, dancing, good friends and in-depth conversation.
How does a mural commission start, progress and finish?
It can differ slightly depending on if it is a commission or a personal piece, but it generally starts with an idea, a brief or story I am wanting to tell. I do a fair bit of research to expand on this, then make little drawings and photoshop mockups to figure out my composition and colours. I then work out all of my materials and go for it! Often I am limited by factors I can’t control like time and weather, so I have learnt to paint quite quickly so that I can always achieve a finished piece that I am happy with.
Is there one mural you are most proud of?
I’d say both the Riverton and my recent Paihia murals would be right up there. My grandma grew up in Riverton, a tiny town located at the bottom of the South Island, so it was really special to connect with my roots there. This mural features an almost life-size humpback whale mother and calf, swimming south to Antarctica for the summer. It also features a portrait of a woman surrounded by the southern lights. Both swimming with whales and experiencing the aurora is in the top 5 of my bucket list. The Paihia mural features a humpback whale as well as an orca, a striped marlin, a stingray, dolphins and the portrait of a female guardian. We worked with the local iwi, community and schools to figure out the best way to approach it. Both pieces have a strong ocean preservation message and were incredible community inclusive experiences. I am so grateful for all of the wonderful human connections I made working on these projects.
I am aware you do a lot of other ‘stuff’ apart from murals can you tell us about those projects?
Haha yes! I like to turn my hand to anything. I do a lot of in-studio paintings (in oils and acrylics) as well as design, illustration and branding for businesses. I sell my own prints, stickers etc and attend the occasional market. Lately, I have been making small clay sculptures of sea creatures with real crystals and handcrafting outfit pieces for Burning Man in August. I like everything to be thoughtful and beautiful, even my cooking!
Who would be artists that you admire and why?
There are so many to choose from! I have loved LA artist Audrey Kawasaki since I was a teenager and managed to get my hands on a gorgeous print recently, which hangs proudly in my home. I love the way she has developed her style and the range of feelings her work emits. I also love a lot of surf artists - Phil Roberts, Roy Tabora, Wade Koniakowsky, Drew Trophy and Matt Beard - for the way they create these epic dreamscapes of my favourite part of the world, the ocean. Each has their own unique way of working with colour and form and I find that really inspiring.
Just general run of the mill humans you admire and why?
My mum and dad. They are down to earth, talented yet humble human beings. They are just about to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary! They have lived life and have taught me kindness, strength, independence and love. They are people who appreciate nature and I am grateful to have been bought up on the beach, camping and swimming.
What makes your blood boil – not in a good way?
Plastic pollution! And people who aren’t kind, life is way too short and precious for either of these things to exist! Respect the earth and the creatures we share it with.
If you had a rule or two to live by what would they be?
Live every day like it is your last. Be kind, be real. Connect at a deeper level and leave everyone you meet with a feeling of positivity. Follow your dreams and watch every sunset and sunrise you can. Dance like no one is watching. Do everything with intent and love. Hug more.
If the Erika now could tell Erika who was just starting her career what advice would you give?
You are on the right path, keep going, you got this. I’ve often felt like I wasn’t so much as paving my own path, more bashing my way through a thick jungle with a machete, using my intuition to guide me. I don’t know what is around the corner, but I love that! As long as I am always creating, engaging, travelling and connecting I am happy.
Lots of adventures and fun projects! I am excited to see where the tide takes me.
What does the future hold for you? Shout out to anyone you want to say thanks to -
To everyone that’s ever taken a moment to support me in this journey. Artists are some of the most self-critical people you will ever meet and it takes a lot to bare our soul the way that we do. Every little opportunity and word of support is genuinely appreciated and heard. Thank you :) <3 And thank you to you also for this opportunity :)