Erik Otto Art – Terrestrial Syndrome Show – San Francisco

Erik Otto Art – Terrestrial Syndrome Show – San Francisco

Undercurrents

Sketch 6

Erik Otto’s art has a fascinating moody feel that sits alongside bright colours and hopeful images, we wanted to find out more so he very kindly answered a few questions about his latest show for us…

Terrestrial Syndrome at The Shooting Gallery in San Francisco (September 12th to October 3rd 2009), go check it out!…

Sketch 13

WG – How did the show go in your opinion?

Erik – Smooth. All the artwork was complete by the deadline, the install went up fast, and the opening night was packed. Can’t complain really. It was my third show at this gallery, and they say third times the charm.

WG – What are your favourite materials to paint with?

Erik – House paint for quick cover, spray paint for immediate mark making and stenciling, and screen print for graphic texture.

Sketch 4

Searching for a Deeper Source

WG – Where did the house theme in your work originate from?

Erik – That’s a loaded question, but in short, the house is a physical symbol of spiritual embodiment. It’s placed in a world full of chaos often seeking safety in the clouds of it’s own dreams. My artwork is somewhat autobiographical, but mostly a reaction to the world that’s trying to change me every day.

Check out these awesome Nonoloa graffiti and urban art tshirts…

WG – What artists out there do you enjoy/admire at the moment?

Erik – Painters, Robert Rauschenberg, Tom Sachs, Barry McGee, David Ellis, Thomas Campbell. Directors, Michel Gondry. Musicians, Tommy Guerrero, Nostalgia77, and Bonobo. So many more to name…I can go on forever.

Overcast

Merge

WG – What’s next for you?

Erik – Artist-in-Residency at the San Francisco Dump. Sounds funny (or shall I say smells funny), but it’s an awesome experience and for someone like me who works primarily on found material…it’s heaven. After that, I seriously need to take off and check out other parts of the world. Expose my art to new audiences, and get exposed to new perspectives.

WG – Your favourite type of sneakers/shoes?

Erik – Vans Era’s.

Intortus

Drift 2

WG – I love the pieces painted/drawn inside book covers, where did you get this idea from?

Erik – I am always scavenging for new materials to work on, and what always works best is something that is readily available. My girlfriend and I were on this garage sale stint, and I started collecting old books to use for my show. I wanted to offer something affordable for people on a budget, so I kept the pieces simple and clean. It turned out pretty well I think.

WG – Of all the pieces in your new show, which is your favourite?

Erik – I am connected to all the work I make and with each piece I create I seem to find healing in other areas of my life. “Rebirth” is my favorite becuase it has to do with my mom’s recent battle of cancer and how through it all, she stayed strong and kept the family afloat.

Rebirth

Divine Assistance

WG – If you could only paint with 2 colours for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

Erik – Black and White would make sense, but I would do Cyan and Flourescent Orange. Hopefully I won’t regret that decision.

Erik Otto’s Terrestrial Syndrome Show is at The Shooting Gallery in San Francisco (September 12th to October 3rd 2009).

You can stay up to date with his latest projects via his blog, or check out his other project his blog, or check out his other project newleafcollection.com. Erik is also currently available for commissions and freelance work, check out his site to see more.