Lisa Ericson’s (previously featured) breathtaking artwork transports us into a vibrant, surreal universe where fish and coral reefs embark on an enchanting dance of colors and forms. In her latest series, Ericson ingeniously merges fish tails and fins with intricate bits of coral, crafting extraordinary hybrid creatures that shimmer with life against a dramatic black background. Though small in size, these acrylic masterpieces exude an otherworldly charm, drawing the eye into their lush, intricate details. By employing multiple layers of paint on sturdy wooden panels, Ericson meticulously builds each piece, imbuing them with texture and depth that captivates the imagination. Her work is a testament to the boundless creativity of nature, skillfully rendered through a human lens that recognizes both beauty and the struggle within the natural world.
Inspired by scientific curiosity, Ericson’s art bridges the gap between reality and dreamscape by offering a surreal twist on familiar concepts. The painted hybrids are not just wonders of biological imagination; they reflect profound emotional and environmental narratives. Through her work, Ericson invites us to consider the interconnectedness of life, where human emotion and natural phenomena intertwine and mirror one another. The black background of her paintings acts as a void, heightening the sense of mystery and intimacy with the subject, while spotlighting the vivid details of each creature. By exploring these connections, Ericson creates a poignant dialogue between art and science, capturing the ephemeral beauty and complexity of life in its many forms.
My ideas are often science-inspired, but with a surreal twist. I may read or hear about a scientific or environmental phenomenon and it provides a kernel of inspiration which can lead to a painting or an entire series. I use the black background to create the drama of the spotlight on my chosen subject. It singles them out, exposes their every tiny detail, and creates a void of the unknown around them. In that way, each piece becomes an intimate portrait. I think of the animals in my paintings as simultaneously representing the natural world and also reflecting our own human struggle and emotion. I like to draw parallels between the two. (…) All of my paintings are done in acrylics on wood panels. I like the hard surface of the panels, and I use multiple thin layers of paint to build up my images.
Lisa Ericson
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