Interview with Pen and Ink Artist Erin Hammill
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 3:49PM How can people find you on the internet?
My official website is at www.erinhammill.com
I also have a facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Erin-Hammill-Art/94411446191?ref=mf
How can people purchase your art? Originals or reproductions?
People can purchase my art on my official website at www.erinhammill.com. I will be selling limited edition giclee prints of my original ink drawings and the website will launch January 30, 2010. At this time I won’t be selling my originals, although there is a future plan for when they will be sold.
When did you realize that you wanted to be an artist?
I have always known that I wanted to be an artist. Every since I was little I have had a pencil in my hand. Actually I was drawing before I could even talk and my speech was delayed since I was concentrating so much on my art.
What was it that inspired you to be an artist?
The desire to be an artist has always been with me and I never thought of it as a choice but my life. I truly cannot imagine not being an artist. I do have many inspirations though and nature seems to play the biggest role. Even in my dragons sometimes you can see nature. If you look at The Visionary’s tail it seems to have fern like characteristics about it. Nature finds a way to flow into my art and become a part of it.
Do you have a dream for your art?
I have always known that I want my art to make a difference in this world. To make people think, explore and also inspire others. I do have a dream. I hope to realize my dream of creating an innovative art gallery, Erin’s House. Many artists have been homeless at one time or another, while others continually face daily struggles with life. The reality is that many of these artists will never be known and their gifts will never be seen. Many are masters in their crafts. For whatever reasons or hardships, they will not get the chances that others will receive. This gallery will not only be a place for them as artists to display their works for sale, but a haven, a safe place for them to work, to meet with others, and to discuss life and art…a place filled with love. People from all over the world will have the chance to showcase their talents.
What inspires you as an artist?
There are lots of things that inspire me. One thing that inspires me the most is all of the nature that surrounds the place where I grew up. All of the woods, trees, and wildlife here.
What makes art great to you?
When it can evoke an emotion. When it can make you feel.
What has been the biggest help to you as an artist?
Daryl, my family, my friends and their constant belief in me and my art. Their desire to encourage me as an artist and support my dreams.
What is your favorite medium to work in?
Definitely ink and pencil…it’s something I have always loved working with. Even though it can be so unforgiving at times because with ink you can not erase, so mistakes cannot be made. I love how you can add the smallest of details.
Why did you choose this medium?
What’s very unique about ink is the way it makes the drawing very intense and full of detail. I’ve tried other mediums before but ink and pencil has always been a passion for me. Details intrigue me, they always have. When most people would look outside and see a tree I would see much more. I see the patterns within the bark, colors that blend themselves throughout it, the veining within a leaf, how it bends in the wind and how the roots wind in and out of the earth. I can create the tiniest of details with ink.
What is your favorite subject to draw?
Hmmm… I have lots of things I love to draw. I’ve always loved drawing dragons. I have had a fascination with them since I was a child and I love how they are connected to eastern and world cultures. I also like drawing a variety of animals and anything that represents nature in all its forms.
What style is your art?
It’s mostly Surreal but it’s also illustration work as well.
Why do you think your art is the style that it is?
I have always been fascinated with surreal art and details. I love when a piece of art makes you stop and think. Art is at its best when it evokes thoughts, emotions and brings about conversation as to the meaning held within. You will find quite a bit of symbolism in my art.
How has your technique evolved over the years?
I have learned that although I must place my dots in the correct places I must also apply the correct pressure at the same time. Small, soft touches of ink placed together will produce an even or softly graded shadow. I have experimented with different types of pencils to add shadowing when that effect is desired.
What artist has had the greatest influence on your artistic vision?
I have a variety of artists that are my favorites but the one I think influenced me the most is MC Escher. He’s famous for creating very technical surreal drawings. You can see in some of my drawings how mathematically placed each shape or line is.
How would you define beauty?
I have thought about this one before because I see beauty in places that some do not. I think true beauty comes from warmth and genuineness and is anything that awakens your senses.
Has your art changed you in any way?
I think I am more in touch with the world around me. I think it has made me see the bigger picture and where I fit in.
Has art changed how you view things?
I see how things are created so perfectly in design and how this just did not happen by coincidence.
Is there anything that you wish you had done differently in your art career?
No, I wouldn’t change a thing. I don’t like to have regrets. I see everything as learning experiences and I do believe everything happens for reasons even if we don’t understand those reasons at the time. There is a plan and purpose.
Do you think artists should continue to study throughout their careers?
I think everyone develops, changes and grows throughout their entire life. This goes beyond even just art. Your thoughts and feelings change as your have new life experiences and that will always have a deep impact on an artist’s work. You put so much of your soul into your work. I think experimenting, trying new things and letting your art evolve is always wonderful.
How can artists deal with set-backs?
We will always have times where something didn’t go as planned or maybe you are having an artistic block. For times when things didn’t go as you hoped I think it’s important to remember that all our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them. The only disability in life is a bad attitude. That will steal your energy and keep you from your happiness and goals. To me this is key…attitude. Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. As far as artist blocks, we all have them and I think it helps me anyway to surround myself with what inspires me. Those I love, a walk in nature or go to a museum. Whatever makes you feel alive or brings about thoughts and emotions. Remember these don’t last forever and soon new doors will open and ideas will flow.
Who is your biggest supporter?
Definitely my fiancé Daryl who has helped me so much on my website and as my soul mate in life, my parents, grandparents and Chelsea my dearest friend who has stuck through creating my website even when times were hard. They have never stopped believing in me.
Do you have any advice for people that have just discovered that they want to be an artist?
If someone came to me and said being an artist is my dream. I would say “go for your dreams and never listen to those who say you can’t. You hold more power then you even realize. Never surrender your dreams and your dreams are not negotiable either”. I just recently heard Will Smith giving his words of wisdom and thoughts on life. He said, “I don’t have a Plan B, because it distracts from Plan A.” Attitude in life is key. Whatever comes your way, work with it not against it. This alone can change your life. Be the best at your craft, whether you are a painter, ink artist, sculptor, it doesn’t matter just work and work until you are all you can be. Take pride in you art and yourself…the rest will come.
How would you encourage a young artist?
I would tell them to create your own dreams and follow them until they are a reality. Never let others tell you what you can and cannot do in life. Work hard at your craft and become the best in what you do. Trust yourself to test your limits. You hold the power to shine.
How can we as artists help our fellow man?
I think many times people feel, “How can I help?.” I am small and insignificant. This is far from the truth. We all hold more power than we realize. Words alone can heal or destroy. As artists our art can evoke emotions and create awareness. Start dialog for change. Helping your fellow man can come in many forms. You can create through your work a message to the world or you may donate art for causes or benefits that are close to your heart. I have done several auction/benefits for wildlife and conservation. We just all need to realize how something so small can have a great impact.
How would you like to see the art world in twenty years?
I guess the same way I would like to see the world in twenty years……more tolerance, patience and acceptance.
What can artists do to improve the art world?
I think whenever as artists we can talk and share our thoughts and create discussions on art and life we are improving not only the art world but the world around us. I think supporting each other as artists and realizing that as a group we are even stronger. Boyd, I think how you are supporting me by this interview is amazing. How you care for your fellow artists and want the world to see not only their craft but who they are as a person.
How should artists approach the future?
With open eyes and a greater understanding of the world before us. To look beyond the box.
Will the arts influence the future?
Definitely yes! Art has always and always will bring about emotions and stir the senses, whether they are good or bad emotions. Theses emotions are what guide and direct us and we are the future. We are made up of thousands of others. Every time someone has done something kind or spoken words whether negative or positive this all adds to the make-up of who we are. So you see every action, word, or feeling has the ability to change and influence the future. Never make the mistake of thinking your actions or words will not affect anything at all. This holds very true with art also.
What is your favorite quote?
“There are people who put their dreams in a little box and say, ‘Yes, I’ve got dreams, of course I’ve got dreams.’ Then they put the box away and bring it out once in awhile to look in it, and yep, they’re still there. These are great dreams, but they never even get out of the box. It takes an uncommon amount of guts to put your dreams on the line, to hold them up and say, ‘How good or how bad am I?’ That’s where courage comes in.” ~ Erma Bombeck
What is your favorite saying?
You are not a human being on a spiritual journey .You are a spiritual being on a human journey.
Erin, thank you so much for participating in this interview! It has been a treat reading your answers to questions that we all ponder daily. I love to listen to other people’s creative ideas and your ideas have challenged me and inspired me.
I look forward to an even brighter future for you and those that you come in contact with through your art. I would like to give a big thank you to everyone for stopping by for an interview of exceptional pen and ink artist Erin Hammill.
Reader Comments (1)
Bill