IN OTHER WORDS
E$ ERIC DOLGAS
ILLUSTRATOR, PAINTER + VISUAL ARTIST
Eric Dolgas definitely has a style, or better yet, a freestyle. The gowith-the flow illustrator, painter and visual artist better known as E$ produces a distinct feel and flavor with every piece he touches, whether it be a personal project or a full-blown mural. While social distancing in his home during the DMV’s stay-at-home order, we caught up with Dolgas about his work, self-quarantine and a bunch of other things, rapid-fire style. District Fray: Since Covid-19 essentially shut down the city, what have you been doing in social isolation? How is it affecting your art? Eric Dolgas: I’ve been binging art a little bit. I’m working on a painting for the [District Fray] launch party, and I have a couple other collaborations that I’ve been working on. I went to my art store, and bought every art supply I would need for the next two months. I’ve been going on an art binge ever since. What’s your relationship with plants? I do not have a green thumb. I tried to grow a few bonsai trees from an Urban Outfitters DIY box. They ended up being duds. E$. Photo courtesy of subject.
WORDS BY TRENT JOHNSON
You did an illustration revolving around cannabis for our issue on page 70. What’s your relationship to cannabis in D.C. as a consumer, activist, etc.? I have always been a huge proponent of the legalization of marijuana and it’s very important to my art. What are some of your favorite things to do outdoors around the D.C. area? Are there any places in nature that inspire your illustrations? I have a little tree park next to my house in Fairfax if I want to clear my head and sit in nature. There’s also a running trail between my house and my parents’ house, and all you hear is nature sounds. What put you on the map as an artist? I do a lot of commissions. A lot of people end up finding me because I did a commercial for VICELAND, and I did a music video with Action Bronson.
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