Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Powell.
Hi Erin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be an artist. As a child, I was mesmerized by the skies and the ocean. The sunsets, the clouds, rain, lightning. Water crashing along the shore, the waves deeper in the water, and how they move; I found it very inspiring, and I remember wishing that I could paint the beautiful colors of it all. It was never something I tried; I never had the confidence to attempt it. As an adult, I have battled with depression, anxiety, and PTSD from trauma throughout my life. One of the things I did throughout my recovery process was all things creative. I started with crafts, making little things that looked interesting that I saw online. One of the things I saw online was fluid art; resin and acrylic paint pouring. I tried it and was instantly addicted. I found the process of mixing paint, choosing colors, and creating something beautiful very soothing. I was amazed at the colorful creations that became works of art from something I did. It was incredibly satisfying to see something come alive that moments ago was a blank canvas. It was rarely what I had in mind, but that’s the beauty of fluid art – the paint seems to have a mind of its own!
I joined a local art group, the Artists of the Tourniquet Collective, and met some wonderful people who have provided me with opportunities that I had never dreamed of. I was introduced to Sara Salih, the Executive Director of the non-profit The Usual Artspects, and joined her board of directors as the Director of Advocacy. Now my art hangs in multiple locations around the metroplex, I’ve been a part of multiple art shows throughout the metroplex, and The Usual Artspects has classes available for gentle yoga as well as others upcoming. I am coordinating my first art show event in Mansfield in November for artists, and all of these things would not have been possible if I hadn’t picked up that first bottle of paint and pushed myself to try it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There’s never a smooth road in life; there are always bumps and forks in the pathway. I’d have to say that regarding the art aspect though, it’s been pretty good to me. Maybe it’s the passion behind it, or maybe I’ve just had incredible luck, but it’s been relatively smooth for me so far!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I primarily do paint pouring work but also dabble in acrylic painting, resin, clay, and crafts for fun. In addition to that, I have a full-time job. While I love creating, I didn’t start doing anything artistic until a little less than two years ago, not long before COVID hit. I started leaning towards paint pouring, all different techniques, and concentrated on that medium. I was creating up to 5 canvases a day, and the inspiration and new ideas didn’t stop for months. My husband asked me one day what I was going to do with all of these canvases I had amassed and said I should try to sell them. While he apparently had meant to sell them on eBay or Marketplace, I looked into art shows and applied for a juried show. I was elated when I was accepted and people seemed to love the abstract paintings I had in my booth. It was very rewarding to receive such complimentary affirmation from strangers that I knew I had to continue creating. It seemed art was the passion I always wanted to do but never knew I could.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I’ve learned that everyone has struggled in some way during this crisis. Whether it’s financially, emotionally, mentally, or otherwise, it has affected everyone somehow, and we should treat each other with kindness and compassion at all times because we never know what the person next to us is going through.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epowellcreativeart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070569246896
