Erin Lynn Welsh PHOTOS BY CARI HUME
THE ARTIST: A LOOK BEHIND THE CANVAS By Cari Hume The focus of art is usually on the art itself; rarely is it seen behind-the-scenes for another artistic value. A pictorial look behind the canvas can say so much about their technical processes, as well as a personal look at the artist as an individual. Every artist and t ype of art is different, and this exploration on an interesting and abstract painter is striking and thought-provoking. Erin Lynn Welsh ’s work is centered around motion and natural movements of landscapes. Having studied photography throughout her undergraduate years at Pratt, Erin Lynn uses her own polaroids from travels as inspiration. She uses aggressive brush strokes and bold colors to create her large oil paintings, concentrating most of all on color, gesture, and light. “Art isn’t something I want to rush,” she says of her process. “I don’t want to burn out.” Welsh works on three paintings at a time, so as to keep fresh during her eight- to t welve-hour days in her Greenpoint studio. Though she’s been painting throughout her life, “photography was my major because I listened to everyone else,” Erin Lynn explains, referring to pressure from peers and professors. She took an abstract painting class on a whim in college, and a professor encouraged her to continue painting. A fter college, she worked for a few commerical photographers, yet hated working with the equipment; while waitressing to make ends meet, she decided to make painting her focus. Erin Lynn travels around the East Coast, New Mexico, and California as often as she can, though she doesn’t pressure herself to use those opportunities solely for inspiration—camera in hand and surrounded by close family, friends, and beautiful landscapes, it comes naturally.
In her Greenpoint studio, Erin Lynn sits in front of a current project commissioned by Birchbox. For this piece, she’s using a flower arrangement made by her and friend Taylor Patterson of Fox Fodder Farm as inspiration.
Erin Lynn’s desk in her studio is filled with personal belongings that inspire her work. A photo of her grandparents is tacked onto the wall surrounded by sentimental and ornamental feathers, dream catchers, and flowers. Polaroids from travels to California, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania to name a few, are among one of her biggest influences.
In progress: two of three paintings that Erin Lynn is currently working on. These show the different influences and elements she uses for different projects, yet keeps the same energy throughout her works.
Brushes, paint, and other tools surround Erin Lynn’s studio space.
Erin Lynn’s painting shoes are set aside near the desk, always kept in her studio.
Old and new art books also provide inspiration for Erin Lynn’s paintings.
Erin Lynn collects shells and knickknacks as part of her process. Also shown is a stamp of her initials that is used on the back of every painting.
Erin Lynn Welsh at her desk in her studio, speaking of the current pieces she’s working on.
Erin Lynn’s personal style is reflected around her studio and in her artwork.
Erin Lynn Welsh sits in her workspace, surrounded by her palettes.