Erin Jackson
Erin Jackson is a painter and mixed media artist in Boston, MA. She received her BFA from Lesley University and has worked as an art educator at the Brookline Arts Center and Institute of Contemporary Art/ Boston. Her practice focuses on education, outreach, and hosting conversations about issues specific to her community.
Q&A
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? I am fortunate enough to always remember a time when I was creating. My mom was a big supporter of arts and crafts as a regular weekend activity for my brother and me. I can remember her wrapping our kitchen table with old newspaper and setting up a craft set she had found at the local hobby store. There was never a shortage of oven-baked clay sculptures, 10 year old magazine collages, and muddy, wet, watercolor paintings.
When did art become a pursuit? In high school, I filled my schedule with as many art classes as I was allowed. I think this is when I realized that my practice was more about process and experimentation than perfection and realized ideas. From there, I always knew I wanted art to be at the center of my career, but wasn’t sure how this would look. After a couple major changes in college, I landed with a Studio Arts BFA. From there I found my way into the Art Ed. world, where I learned to challenge myself and others while keeping my art making practice alive.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I have a Fine Arts degree (focused on painting and drawing), though I would say I am constantly teaching myself new mediums or practices.
How did you first become involved with CAA? A few years after graduating, I was missing the same community I had while in school. My alma mater is located in Cambridge, MA, so I was familiar with the programs CAA offers.
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community? In addition to connecting with local artists through my personal practice, I work as an Art Educator! I have taught a range of art practices/ mediums at various local nonprofits. I currently work in the Education Department at the ICA/Boston.
What role do you think the artist plays in society? I believe creative thinkers make up the foundation of any community. Whether these are classically trained artists, writers, or performance artists, they open up the field for conversation, brainstorming, and expression.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? My main practice focuses on 2D works, though I do not limit myself to just that. I find that when I open myself to new mediums or practices my “main” work grows. So though I would not consider myself a printmaker, the amount of printmaking supplies in my studio beg to differ.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? My process focuses heavily on experimentation and free play. My studio is always full of whatever random supplies are on sale at the art store. I have found that this mentality allows me to try out different techniques without expectations or specific outcomes.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? My process has evolved a lot over the past few years. I can’t say that I have a specific inspiration, but rather that my art finds its way back to the ideas of self-expression and the identities that I hold. My process is very emotion based and involves trust in my practice and process. I do not plan out my work ahead of time, but let the work take me where it needs to go.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? I can’t choose just one, as I’m sure all artists would feel. I can say that some of my most important works are the ones that no one sees. I have many “pieces” that came about in a fit of disarray and frustration, where I just needed an outlet for a creative episode. These works are usually never finished, titled, or photographed, and usually never make it in front of anyone else’s eyes.
What is one of your artistic goals? I recently accomplished one of my biggest artist goals. I took a 9 month sabbatical, for lack of a better term. During this time I told myself that I was finally going to do all the things I said I would “if I had the time, money, or space”. I’ve struggled with believing in myself as an artist, so I made a conscious effort to take time and space to work on just that. So I suppose my current goal is to carry this mentality forward and keep cheerleading for my own creative practice.
What’s your favorite place to see art, and why? Honestly, the internet. Artists have the ability to represent themselves how they want, in a way that is conducive to their own practice. Museums and art institutions have also pivoted to digital learning, where I have been able to find many great educational resources and programs online.
What living artists are you inspired by? I am a huge fan of Mariah Robertson’s creative process and Andrea Bowers’ feminist focus. I also have to give a huge shoutout to all the artists who come from and teach at Lesley University.
Do you own any art by other artists? Is so, what artists? Yes! My dream is to fill every inch of my living room with art from other artists. I am currently sporting art from Rachel Lebo (St. Louis, MO), Rebecca Schnopp (Boston, MA), and Sarah Slavick (Boston, MA).
Do you have any shows coming up? Not at the moment. I am channeling all my energy into creating a new body of work.
See more from Erin
Website: erin-l-jackson.com
Instagram: @erinjacksonart
Facebook: Erin Jackson