After several years spent absorbing life in the Northwest where he dwelled in and around Portland, Oregon, Erik Abel decided in 2005 to return to sunny Southern California to take part in the area’s swelling art scene.
Heavily influenced by and involved in the surf/skate/snow industry, and working as a freelance graphic designer for over 10 years, Abel‘s method of bold, graphical imagery fused with his loose brush and pen work has found a small corner of its own in the art world.
Elements from inspirations such as ancient civilizations, cycles of nature, plants, symbols, icons, and politics systematically weave their way throughout Abel’s work. Unique imagery combined with a natural eye for visual harmony gifts Abel’s work with an easily recognizable and fresh style.
Nathan Cartwright: Erik, how long have you been painting and how did it grow into your style today?
Erik Abel: I have been creating art for about 25 years, about as long as I can remember. I’ve dabbled in many styles over the years from abstract to realistic and everything in between. Now I’ve arrived at this style as a culmination of my life experience and all the creative modes of my past.
Nathan Cartwright: Who are your artist influences?
Erik Abel: When I was younger MC Escher was a huge influence because he had the two dimensional surface mastered. Now it’s hard to pinpoint my influences. There’s so many out there……….. Artists such as Blaine Fontana, Erik Otto, Jeff Soto, and Mars 1 are amongst my modern favorites. Not only am I influenced by their techniques, but business savvy and ambition. Of course, I’m also influenced by work of ancient cultures such as the Mayans and Egyptians.
Nathan Cartwright: How much does your graphic design background influence your work?
Erik Abel: Graphic Design is the major influence in my art style because it has been such a large part of my life up to this point. I grew up around graphics and use this experience in my artwork.
Nathan Cartwright: What influence does color have?
Erik Abel: Color theory has always been important to my work. I’m interested in the psychological effects of color on the viewer. I’ve been working on a color combination that will actually force people to buy my paintings!
Nathan Cartwright: Where do you see your work going in the future?
Erik Abel: Right now it’s exciting seeing where my art is taking me. I’ve been letting my work guide me as I go, which is much more of a journey. I think it would be interesting to bridge the gap between the underground art scene and the elitist, “foo foo” gallery art scene. I feel the underground scene is coming of age and will be accepted in the more “high art” world in the near future.
Erik Abel will be the featured artist of The Hive gallery from February 3rd to the 28th. The opening event will be February 3rd from 8PM to 12:30AM, along with featured installation artist, Eduardo Benedetto, and a group artist show.