The Open Corner: GO August #1, Erica Levine
Don’t freak out, but we’re going to do The Open Corner a little differently this month. Rather than focusing on some neighborhood-inspired art, we’re going to focus on some neighborhood-based artists. Why? Because a slew of them are participating in GO, an initiative of the Brooklyn Museum, and we’re supportive like that. As they explain:
During GO, Brooklyn-based artists are asked to open their studios to the community on September 8–9, 2012. Community members registered as voters will visit studios and nominate artists for inclusion in a group exhibition to open at the Brooklyn Museum on Target First Saturday, December 1, 2012.
Of the over 1,800 artists taking part, only 51 identify as having studios in Ditmas Park or the surrounding areas like Midwood, but the artists that we do have are top notch. One or two of them you may have seen here before. Most you haven’t. So, over the next month, we’re going to be doing profiles on some area artists you might want to pay attention to. And by “pay attention,” I mean visit their studios in September and nominate them for inclusion in the December exhibition. We wish we had time to profile each and every one, but unfortunately we can only do a few–so be sure to visit the GO site to find out more about all the artists that are participating in our area. Then register to vote here.
First up…
Are the portraits on the GO Studios site part of a specific series, or are they representative of the kind of work you do as a whole?
I wanted to do a series of portraits that focus on female strength through facial expressions and the emotional connection between the drawn woman and the viewer. In the past I have drawn mostly full figures, but as of now I am focusing on portraits.
What, if anything, are you trying to communicate or explore with your work? What inspires you to create what you create?
Each woman I draw has a unique story that I convey through my rendering of her. I like to focus on strength through nature and cultural crafts. Throughout time in every culture, women have connected through long hours creating through weaving, braiding, knitting, beading, etc., and I find it fascinating.
The individual elements I choose each symbolize something about the woman that they adorn. Weeds and moss manage to grow under even the harshest conditions and can’t be tamed; bows and arrows are graceful and decorative yet dangerous weapons. More than that, though, I focus on their facial expression, especially the eyes and mouth, which is what really tells the story.
Are your subjects always women, and are they women you know? Or do you prefer to paint strangers in the way that Kehinde Wiley sometimes hires men off the street for his portraits?
I have always enjoyed drawing women more than men but I will draw anyone that inspires me. I have hired a woman working at the Flatbush Food Co-op to pose for me, friends will pose, models will pose. Sometimes, I merge magazine pictures together taking the facial features I need from each picture to form my own perfect face for a drawing.
Speaking of strangers, are you anxious at all about opening up your studio to a bunch of them? I imagine all the artists running around like mad trying to hide all the work they hate or that is half-finished. Have you ever done this sort of thing before?
I am excited to open my studio; I am just hoping to get some visitors! I don’t mind hanging half-finished work. Somehow it looks better to me than a polished, finished piece. The possibilities and anticipation of what it will look like or what I could create is exciting to me. Plus, most of my drawings are unfinished as of now.
What should people expect when they walk in the door?
My studio is the front section of my large living room. It is the first floor of a private brick house. I have had a studio separate from my living space before but I don’t feel inspired without my life all around me. Plus, I like to work late at night.
Why did you choose to live in this area?
We chose Ditmas Park because it has a great mix of people and different cultures. It’s close to Prospect Park and feels down to earth. It is just a great community, and everyone is really friendly.
Your studio is on E 8th Street, to the west of CIA. What are some spots on your side of CIA that you think people should hit up while stopping by your studio in September?
It is still mainly residential, but we like the small Russian grocery store on Cortelyou off of Coney Island Ave. They have good homemade Russian salads that are fun to try. Also, Shenanigans up by Caton and East 8th is a laid back, relaxing pub if you want to grab a drink.
And if they can’t make it that weekend, is there somewhere else people can check out your work in person?
You can always email me at ericarosey@gmail.com or check out my Facebook page at facebook.com/EricaRoseLevine. My website will be coming soon and the information will be on my Facebook page.
About Erica
Erica was born in NYC, where she attended LaGuardia High School of Music and Art before earning a BFA at the School of Visual Arts. After a short career of teaching art and special education, she left to concentrate on her artwork and take care of her new baby.
Erica’s artwork is inspired by patterns, nature, crafts, and the vibrant culture that New York City has to offer. She is currently living in Brooklyn with her husband and son.
What is The Open Corner? Find out here.
The Open Corner will return to its usual programming in September. Interested in participating? Email Avi here.