Born in Atlanta, Erin Evans’s journey as an artist began when she picked up a pencil as a child. Her fascination with drawing was immediate and enduring. Over the years, this fascination evolved into a lifelong commitment to making art., even as she pursued other endeavors to make a living. Her story is one of resilience and an unyielding passion for art.
During the Vietnam War, Erin moved to New York City to attend the prestigious Pratt Institute. The city, with its vibrant art scene and cultural dynamism, became her home for nearly three decades. Living in New York during such a tumultuous time influenced her work and perspectives profoundly. The era’s social and political upheavals found their way into her canvases, adding layers of meaning and context to her creations.
Erin cites Jackson Pollock, known for his abstract expressionist drip paintings, and Jim Dine, who found beauty in the overlooked, as significant inspirations. These mid-20th century artists, among many others, shaped her approach to art, encouraging her to explore.
In 1999, Erin returned to Atlanta, bringing with her the rich experiences and learnings from her time in New York. Her return marked a new chapter in her artistic journey, allowing her to reconnect with her roots while continuing to progress as an artist.
One of Erin’s works is titled “His Head was Bent in Sorrow.” The creation of this piece is a testament to her ability to find inspiration in the mundane. Erin shares that she found her muse in a crumpled piece of metal foil. After numerous shots, she discovered an image beautifully placed in what resembled a mountain. This sight sparked her imagination, leading her to draw parallels with mythological and contemporary themes.
The image reminded her of Moses, a name that naturally surfaced in her mind. Erin’s love for myth and its timeless narratives is evident in this piece. However, the interpretation of “His Head was Bent in Sorrow” goes beyond mythology. Erin, a self-proclaimed pacifist, believes that art should make people ponder and reflect on the world around them. The piece can be seen as a commentary on the current state of affairs, a reflection on the difficulties faced in the quest for financial success in today’s stressed-out world. It also speaks to the sorrow of parents struggling to provide for their children, highlighting the treacherous and dangerous path that many must navigate.
Erin’s work is characterized by its simplicity and depth. She finds beauty and meaning in overlooked and mundane objects, transforming them into profound artistic statements. Her ability to infuse her art with personal reflections and social commentary makes her work both relatable and thought-provoking.
In conversation, Erin’s tone is straightforward and unembellished, much like her art. She speaks with clarity and purpose, reflecting her spartan approach to both life and art. This simplicity allows her to connect with her audience on a deeper level, inviting them to explore the layers of meaning in her work without the distraction of unnecessary complexity.
Erin’s journey as an artist is a testament to her dedication and passion. From her early fascination with drawing to her education at Pratt Institute and her years in New York, each phase of her life has contributed to her growth as an artist.
Erin Evans’s work, including pieces like “His Head was Bent in Sorrow,” invites us to pause and reflect. Through her eyes, we see the beauty in the overlooked and the profound in the mundane. Her art is a mirror to the world, capturing its complexities and contradictions with simplicity and grace. In a world filled with noise and chaos, Erin’s spartan approach to art offers a moment of clarity and contemplation.
