Erika 5

Hello!

Thanks for taking the time to read a little bit about me! My name is Erika. I’m known to most as Erika 5. As a child, the #5 meant more to me than I think was healthy. I’m happy to say I broke myself of the obsessive compulsive disorder I had concerning the #5, but still have a fondness for it. Thus, the #5 I use at the end of my name and the small tattoo on my left wrist are a tribute to that.

Now to the important stuff, MY ARTWORK! I hope you like it! Art has always been a very important part of my life. Without it, I don’t think I would know how to express myself. Words have never treated me right, but my hands, equipped with pencil, paintbrush or anything else I could manipulate, have always been the best way to make myself understood. Art gave me confidence when I had none. It gave me a reason to keep going; it still does. It helps me feel like I make a difference, even if it’s only a difference to me and those who love me.

I live in Portland Oregon, a city that inspires me every single day. I moved here after graduating from the University of Utah where I studied ceramics. I loved my education. Those four years are some I will remember for the rest of my life. Getting dirty, lighting things on fire, staying up all night and making art with amazing people made for a SUPER RAD college experience! After I graduated I took a train trip around the country (something I recommend to everyone!) and fell in love with Portland. I moved here a few months later with my love, Mr. John J. Long. He’s the one who made this amazing web site you’re looking at!

Recently I discovered oil paint. I immediately fell in love. I had only painted with acrylics and when I found oils, I realized it could capture the detail I had always wanted. I started painting portraits. The figure has always intrigued me. Even more than the figure, is the face. I love people’s faces. The time I spend capturing a person’s face on canvas is time I value immensely. My recent work is something I am very excited about. It includes everything I feel a passion for. My hope is that through this website, others can see my work and maybe see something they like. As an artist, I find it hard to “put myself out there” but this is my attempt. If you like what you see and you would be interested in capturing someone you love in vintage style, then please, check out my work. I’d be happy to paint anything for you. It’s what I do…it’s what I love.

Thank you!
Erika #5