Guest Artist: Erin Green
Our guest artist Erin Green is a girl after our own hearts. Part globetrotting adventure-woman, part introverted homebody, Erin’s inspiration strikes when life throws her a lemon, and organic, intricate art is her favourite kind of lemonade. Taken from the Australian wildlife that surrounded her parents’ property growing up, her latest collection, Flora and Fauna, is a series of native plants and animals that combines mixed media, fine details and bold colours. We chat to Erin about her artistic influences, feeling homesick in the UK and falling in love with podcasts. See more @eringreen_ and eringreen.com.au
What’s behind your fascination with Australian flora and fauna?
My fascination definitely originated from my parents. They only planted natives on their property in the Sunshine Coast hinterland to cater to the wildlife that is endemic to the area. I think it definitely helped me to develop an appreciation for our flora and fauna from a young age.
What’s your favourite media to make art with?
Ink and collage from recycled papers and fabrics.
What do you do when you’re stuck in an artistic rut?
I change the medium or subject I am trying to work with completely. Experimenting and embracing a different approach often creates something exciting that I can use. I also look to other artists a lot. Their life stories are often as interesting as their work and I find that to be very inspiring. But I have learnt not to force it. It’s okay to take time away from my art if I need to, and I usually find inspiration when I’m not looking for it.
How does your environment influence you?
My environment is important. I need quiet and to be in my own space. I am definitely a homebody when it comes to working.
Who are the artists that you look up to?
There are so many. To name a few: Hope Gangloff, Margaret Preston, Julian Meagher, Jenny Holzer, Kelsey Brookes.
When do you feel most meditative?
Underwater. Or just sitting alone by the ocean.
When do you feel most inspired?
I feel inspired when I experience some sort of life shift. Bad or good, nothing creative comes from stagnancy for me. This time last year I was living in Leeds in the UK. I was really homesick so I started sketching banksias and wattle flowers. Finally I decided to book my flight to move back to Australia and used those sketches to start my Flora & Fauna collection.
What kind of music do you listen to when you’re working?
I actually listen to podcasts. Finishing one of my works is quite a lengthy process from start to finish so I like to get absorbed in a story of some kind. Lately I’ve been listening to Carnalcopia.
If you could move anywhere in the world, just to make art, where would you go and why?
I visited Morocco last year and it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I am definitely planning to go back and stay for longer. I would love to go to Essaouira on the Moroccan coast, locals recommended it to me as an artistic hub for painters.
Where do you do your best work?
My family home is very quiet with a big jungle backyard. It helps me to focus.
What was the first artwork you ever made that you remember being proud of?
I drew a series of self portraits in my last year of high school that were shown in the Creative Generations exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane. I loved seeing the different reactions to my work and it made me realise how much I enjoyed being a part of the energy that artistic spaces create.
What has been the biggest obstacle in making or showcasing your art?
If I am being honest, self doubt is something I am constantly battling. It has taken me a long time to be comfortable showing other people something that is so personal to me. That being said, it is very rewarding when I show my work and it’s well received.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing?
Art is definitely my first love, but I have always had an interest in veterinary nursing.
What was the last book that moved you?
Because by Joseph Riipi. It helped me a lot with my sense of perspective and I love his unconventional and honest style of writing.
To find out more about Erin Green, visit her website at eringreen.com, or find her on Instagram.
