Erika Lovelace - Artist
FJ: What is your background?
Erika: I've been doodling since I can remember! I took a beginning art class right after high school, but I'm mostly self-taught.
FJ: What does your work aim to say?
Erika: I hope my art, helps you fantasize about being at the beach or somewhere tropical. When you get stressed out, my Loveshacks are meant to “take you away” to paradise….We all need a “safe place” - a sacred spot to visualize and dream.
FJ: Who are your biggest influences?
Erika: My family and friends are my biggest influences. Jackson Pollock, Shag, Lichtenstein, Basquiat, Keane, Coop and Warhol are my heroes
FJ: Why do you create? What need does it satisfy?
Erika: I’m always up to changing things around or moving furniture around the house. Since I can’t always do that, painting in my little workshop aka our garage satisfies my soul.
FJ: How is your personality reflected in your work?
Erika: I try to be positive, that being said, I love to use color. I want someone to see my art and instantly smile--- make them happy. I try to do that in life as well.
FJ: Where do your ideas come from?
Erika: I’ve lived in California my whole life so I’ve been going to the beach since I was a child. My ideas come from there, the ocean, Hawaii, road trips through the desert and tropical calendars.
FJ: What is next for you? What are you working on now?
Erika: Currently, I’m creating more “Loveshacks” and making pool signs for our yard. What’s next is that I am continuing to learn about my Master number, “22”, continuing to learn about vibration, frequency and my Ascension process, which is very new and super exciting to me!!
FJ: How do you know when a piece is done?
Erika: Intuitively, I know when a piece is done. To explain that feeling, I compare it to that same feeling you get when you put that last dish away after emptying the dishwasher! Aaaaah... doesn’t it feel great?!! It’s sort of like that.
FJ: Which current art trends are you following?
Erika: What is the current trend? I’ve never really paid attention to trends. I do what I do when I want to. And I say that with Love!
FJ: What materials do you use?
Erika: Balsa wood, palm tree fronds, toothpicks, bamboo and popsicle sticks, acrylic, modge podge, driftwood, canvas, vintage jewelry, trinkets, etc.
FJ: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Erika: They can find me Instagram @coconutcovegifts.
FJ: Any last thoughts for our Fat Jack’s readers?
Erika: An old quote that holds a special place in my heart, “Live the life you love and love the life you live”
xoxo -e
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