artistspot Eric Anderson

Age: 45 • Hometown: Estherville Iowa • Profession: Art Museum Director / Artist of drawing the figures by the time I asked him that he thought that if I had to draw it I would give up and he would not have to do it no more, but when he saw that I had tried he was impressed leading to the drawing that he created for me. I still have that drawing today.

What has your educational path been?

My educational path has always been focused on art and creative design. I started out at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville. I graduated with a AA / AS in Graphic / Advertising and General Art Transfer. I had worked at the local newspaper for a summer and found that I did not like that type of Graphic Design work, so I went on to Minnesota State University – Mankato and studied Studio Art. I majored in Painting and printmaking. During my time at Mankato, I enjoyed art history courses and also working at the art gallery on campus. I earned my BFA and MA in studio art from MSU. After MSU I applied and was accepted to attend the MFA program at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln studying Studio Arts and Art History.

What do you most enjoy about creating artwork?

There are many things I enjoy or find interesting in relation to creating art, one is the ability to create something new, the act of taking something from my head and bringing it into existence. I enjoy the problem-solving aspects of creating art – being able to take simple materials and create an illusion of reality, transformation of materials, and or the dialogue of understanding. I find the whole process fascinating.

How has your work changed over the years?

I would say that the visual nature of my work has changed because I have changed. My understanding of things and how I experience the world gets reflected in my art. The work also changes as I find new materials to incorporate into the work. I would say that I have always tried to stay true to a core idea – a contradiction - “Simple Complexity.” So, the visual nature of the work has changed but not the core idea.

Did you grow up in an artistic household? How did you first become interested in creating art?

I would say that I grew up in a somewhat artistic household, I know that my mom worked for the public school, and she would create items for teachers’ classrooms. My dad is a singer and would participate in church and area performance groups and musicals. There are artistic people on both sides of my family, my mother’s brother is an exceptional drawer and my dad has a cousin that creates amazing objects out of wood. I think I had an interest in creating art, drawing, and coloring as far back as I can remember. I do recall that one of my favorite subjects in early elementary was tornados after seeing one from a distance from my house. But my favorite memory would be when I asked my elementary art teacher if he could draw my California Raisin figure like he did for others and he stated that if I wanted one by him that he wanted one from me first. I remember sitting at the kitchen table and concentrating on drawing this 3-dimensional object onto a flat sheet of paper. Then taking that drawing into the art teacher and giving it to him and in turn later receiving the biggest drawing than anyone else in the grade back from him. I found out that he was tired

Why is it important for children to be exposed to artwork?

It is important for children to be exposed to artwork because it presents them with a world of color, expression, and imagination. This exposer stimulates innovative thinking and creative problem-solving. Art allows children’s minds to think outside of the box and develop their own personal thoughts. Art allows children to use emotional expression as an outlet and presents them with an alternative way to communicate if words are not enough. Art has a great impact on children, it introduces them to world cultures, shows them diversity in the world, expands understandings.

What do you most like about the art and culture scene in Fort Dodge?

The Fort Dodge Art and Cultural scene is thriving and growing. I like the diversity of opportunities available, the organic growth of events and activities, and the richness of artistic development happening.

Who, or what, inspires you? And why?

I am always inspired by individuals that have the courage to be a full-time artist living and working for creative spirit. I find inspiration from my kids seeing their love and enthusiasm for creating is amazing. I love seeing new works of art that challenge my understanding, I also enjoy meeting new artists and seeing what they are working on.

What is the most challenging part of being an artist?

I think the most challenging part of being an artist is finding time to work and be by oneself but also connecting when needed to a larger community of creative people.

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Atmosphere

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