Tangents / Erika Somogyi
Our Tangents art show is only one day away (Friday)! Here’s the final artist interview! Introducing, Erika Somogyi.
I was surprised to learn that you’re living in Brooklyn! Based on your work I would have guessed you were living in a log cabin somewhere in the pacific northwest! The evergreen tree shapes, the mountains, where is the imagery coming from?
Sometimes I wish I were living in a log cabin in the mountains. I have spent time backpacking and sleeping outside. I love visiting the national parks. The natural imagery I use in my work comes from my travels, photos I have taken, photos I have borrowed, field studies and memories. One aspect of the work I have been making is the longing for a connection with nature. The lack of expansive wilderness here is a big part of that. In a way I feel transported by the paintings.
I think you’d love it here in British Columbia! We have lots of mountains, lakes, and trails. On the other hand, I like the idea that your work is about this longing, like an intense memory that over time has become more fantasy than reality. Maybe coming here would ruin that?
It would be so cool if I were coming out for the show! I don’t think it would ruin my work at all. It would be a great experience for me to spend some time there. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the art I make doesn’t just come from what I can see out my window. That would be the Manhattan skyline. I have a pretty nice view.
