Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Newton
Hi Erin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
There are many moments in this journey that I contemplate and consider “starts.” My father tells stories of our family—generations that survived wars, conquered catastrophes, and blossomed out of hardships. He ends these stories of resilience with, “Why me? What brings me here today?” Initially, it feels like much can be attributed to fate, a product of circumstances. Indeed, it seems a grand design that art specifically chose me. All my life, I’ve been deeply drawn to it, understood the world through it, and found a voice in its mediums.
Even so, during periods of my life when I thought I was wandering in the wilderness, I found that the skills I learned along the way eventually came full circle, becoming tools for my artistic journey. With further reflection, I realize I am part of a legacy of those who overcame by choice and action. My start didn’t come in a single moment but in many—each building on the last. Standing on the shoulders of giants, I’ve embraced the wisdom that the destination only comes by way of a robust journey. Through doing—showing up again and again—I’ve created opportunities and built the path that carries me forward.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road through the arts is rarely smooth—it’s often the struggle itself that drives many of us to create and refines our skills and ability to edit. Art becomes a release, a way to express the visceral emotions of the heart and soul when words fall short. For me, it’s a means of connecting to the faint, metaphysical impressions of those who came before me. Looking back, I can see the arcs in past generations, the stories of resilience and hope that bind us together.
Having experienced my share of grief, I recognize the darkness others face in their own personal voids. That bleakness—the complete absence of light—can feel insurmountable. The experience motivates me to create a safe haven in my work, a place of rest for the heart, soul, and mind. My art is an offering of hope, a reminder that even in the depths of despair, there is a path toward light.
Beyond my personal narrative of Southern Gothic tragedies and redemptions lies a universal truth we can all share: nature. Its cycles of death and destruction give way to renewal—the magic of morning light, the quiet mystery of new blossoms carrying seeds of future hope.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an artist who creates expressive and captivating paintings, specializing in exploring the complexities of human connection across generations and the ways nature mirrors these relationships. My work delves into themes of legacy, memory, and the intertwined beauty of humanity and the natural world.
Through my art, I aim to evoke a mood and atmosphere where light and shadow reveal the nuances of connection—on the stories that shape us, the bonds that sustain us, and the natural rhythms that echo our experiences. And I am most proud of the moments when, upon seeing my work, the viewer connects with my intent.
What sets me apart is my ability to weave intricate narratives of connection and growth into visual form, blending rich textures, evocative colors, and symbolic elements inspired by nature. Each painting is an invitation to reflect on the threads that bind us to one another and the world around us.
I invite you to explore my collection of works at www.erinneelnewton.com and experience the stories that unfold through each piece. You can also join me at upcoming exhibitions to see the art in person and connect with the vision behind the work.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books profoundly shape my work, and I draw inspiration from a broad range of genres. From fiction, I explore the human condition, often through complex protagonists whose traits blend archetypes with real-world experiences. The Southern Gothic genre is a particular favorite, but my library—both digital and paperback—spans many.
Biographies offer me insights into true-life situations and their organic, sometimes surprising outcomes. These stories often evoke the phrase, “I couldn’t make this up if I tried,” as they reflect someone’s unique perspective on life and the unpredictable forces that shape their journey.
Additionally, I enjoy spending time conceptualizing, which is why “The Conceptual Roots of Mathematics”, a book a friend introduced to me years ago, holds a special place in my collection. It deepens my understanding of abstract thought and the connections between logic and creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erinneelnewton.com
- Instagram: @let_paint_be_paint
Image Credits
Andrew Newton
