Interview by Harryet Candee Photography of Artist by Tasja Keetman
Harryet Candee: How would you define yourself as an artist? ERIKA LARSKAYA: I like to think of myself as someone who aspires to lay out otherwise fleeting and intangible experiences on physical surfaces. The abstract result allows for flexibility in how viewers relate to and interpret the artwork. I explore new ways of representing experiences through my artwork by experimenting with various mediums and supports. I hope to demonstrate the unlimited ways of interpreting our experiences and seeing the world around us, and I hope to encourage viewers of my work to expand their perceptions. I am very inspired by the natural environment and am fortunate to be surrounded by it. Flowers, grasses, and tree branches create such a beautiful web of lines, shapes, and colors that I find impossible not to embrace. 32 • NOVEMBER 2021 THE ARTFUL MIND
Motivational Interviewing
In what ways was your childhood an influence on the ways you see and think as an artist today? I was lucky to have been exposed to a wide variety of art while growing up in St. Petersburg, Russia. I've been fascinated by the old masters’ paintings displayed at the Hermitage and many other museums. Though at the time I did not understand the importance of those historic pieces of artwork and architecture, they ultimately had a profound impact on my appreciation for the arts, eventually aiding me in my self-taught process. I know you spoke of growing up in a suppressed environment in Russia and how wonderful it was to come to America to live. I would love to hear your story, please. It's been over thirty years since then. I wouldn't
Mixed media on canvas 24 x 24”
say it was wonderful; it was better than what I had before. At the time of my arrival to US, I didn't speak English, didn't have a job, and didn't know how to find one. But when you are young and adventurous, you are not so scared by those things. The first place I arrived at was Brighton Beach in Brooklyn NY. The abundance of consumer products was the biggest shock to my system. Today Russia is not that different from any other European country or the US. Rain In My Coffee is very beautiful. Tell us about this painting, please. It was a very rainy day, with lots of water falling from the sky. While painting, I was listening to "Metamorphosis" by Philip Glass, which reminds me of the rain. Earlier that day, on my way to my studio, Continued on next page...
