Erika Schulz

Born on the West Coast of Canada, Erika moved to the prairies as a young child. Her natural aesthetic was greatly influenced by this contrast of landscape, between coastal and prairie, which has lead to a lifelong passion for the beauty nature has to offer. Erika has also been greatly influenced by Asian Style and the Arts and Crafts movements.

Currently, Erika is working on two related series. "The Aviary" is a reflection of North American birds. This series is decorative in nature and contrasts a realistic bird painting against a patterned and textured background, highlighting the beauty and drama of the subject. "The Usual Suspects" also features North American birds on a background featuring the Hudson's Bay stripes. These two influences combine into a form of Canadian Iconography.

These acrylic paintings also give me the chance to showcase the "Drawing with Paint" technique I have developed over the last decade. It was originally inspired by the mixed-media gesso panels of Margaret MacDonald who was the wife of famed Architect and Painter Charles Renee Mackintosh. My paintings have the same raised line and strong Art Nouveau influence. The surface is layered, patterned and textured which interlocks into an image that can...

Primarily self taught.
2001 // Visual Arts Diploma, Red Deer College, Red Deer Alberta, Canada

- 2017 // The Alberta Aviary. The Lebel Gallery. Pincher Creek, AB.
- 2016 // The Alberta Aviary. Kerrywood Nature Centre. Red Deer, AB.
- 2016 // The Coaster Show. La Luz de Jesus Gallery. Los Angeles, CA.
- 2014 // An Alberta Aviary. Solo exhibition. Bluerock Gallery. Black Diamond, AB. December 1 - 31.
- 2014 // An Alberta Aviary. Solo exhibition. Ellis Bird Farm. Lacombe AB. Summer.
- 2014 // An Alberta Aviary. Solo exhibition. Harris-Warke Gallery. Red Deer AB. May 11 - June 14.
- 2014 // An Alberta Aviary. Solo exhibition. Okotoks Art Gallery. Okotoks AB. February 28 - April 19.