Artist
Statement
I am infinitely inspired by nature and life all around me. Creating
art has always been a very meditative self exploratory process
for me. I will see things that inspire me everywhere but I do
not plan too much. I love to get lost in the process, be it painting
or throwing on the wheel. I am drawn to color relationships, organic
forms and texture.
About the Artist
Ericka O’Rourke was raised in central New Jersey. An only
child, she spent much of her time within in her thoughts and art.
She pursued art from a young age and was recognized at the state
level by the time she was 13. At age 16, a watercolor abstract
painting by Ericka was selected as one of 350 pieces out of over
40,000 entries nationwide to receive a Scholastic National Achievement
Gold Medal. It was then one of 20 pieces purchased by Scholastic
to hang in their permanent collection at the New York headquarters.
At age 17, Ericka received the New Jersey Governor’s Award
in Arts Education.
Throughout her later high school years and through college, Ericka
worked a variety of creative jobs that all helped shape her skills.
These included working as a picture framer, in a greenhouse/florist,
as a local newspaper photographer and as a silkscreen t-shirt
designer/artist where she was introduced to computer art.
Ericka pursued her art education as a Visual Arts major at Mason
Gross School of the Arts in New Brunswick, NJ. Her studies during
this time varied widely and included photography, printmaking,
painting, and ceramics. Working as an intern managing the ceramics
studio introduced Ericka to glaze and clay mixing and furthered
her interest in clay as a medium.
After receiving her BFA, Ericka entered the commercial art world
and took a design position in New York City working for Bantam
Doubleday Dell Publishing. She worked as a book designer in the
Books for Young Readers division under the exceptional guidance
of Art Director Patrice Sheridan. During her five years there,
Ericka strengthened and developed her computer and design skills
and knowledge. During this time, she began to combine her art
and photography digitally and established herself as a digital
artist/illustrator with over 200 published works to date.
Ericka left the city to be a work-from-home mom/artist in 1999.
She has taught art workshops, continues to work as a freelance
digital artist, and is pursuing her fine art. In 2006, Ericka
became the founding President of the Allentown Art Guild. The
Allentown Art Guild is a non-profit organization based in the
historical village town of Allentown, New Jersey. The organization
was formed by three Allentown artists and a photographer who felt
the need for an independent association of creative professionals
and friends of the arts. The purpose of the Guild is artistic
growth through interaction with fellow Guild members, guest speakers,
and participation in Guild-sponsored workshops. The AAG also provides
a venue for exhibits and community educational programs.
Ericka’s fine art is currently represented by the Artful
Deposit Gallery in Bordentown City, NJ, and Creative Genius Galleries
in Medford, NJ. Her work is also available for purchase in her
online shop at www.elmstudios.etsy.com.
Representation:
The Artful Deposit
Gallery, Bordentown, NJ
Creative Genius
Art Studio Medford, NJ
Elmstudios
Etsy Store
fine art | www.elmstudios.com