We're pleased to be welcoming Erica Sturla to our website this month - one of 5 new artists joining the Wraptious website from our artist competition. Erica's artwork features busy tourist scenes, with beautiful detail and plenty of character. You can find all of her designs on tea towels, prints and cushions on her new Wraptious page. Meanwhile, here's a little more about Erica and her amazing art...
How long have you been an artist?
I studied fashion illustration and journalism at art school, but worked as a graphic designer until I gave up the day job about ten years ago to work full time as an artist.
What inspires your work?
I usually include people in my work and love busy scenes with lots of details and little stories going on in the picture. I live by the seaside now, so that's become a very strong influence and elements of it appear in many of my designs.
How did you create your designs
I draw straight on to the virtual page, drawing thousands of architectural shapes, people and sometimes animals on the screen using just the mouse. I colour them in as I go, mixing the colours on a virtual palette in an illustration programme. It's quite a long process, but I find it quite meditative and I love the strong, graphic quality that this technique gives the design.
Where do you work?
I create my digital work at a slightly chaotic desk in a quiet corner of the house. My only other requirement is coffee.
Where can we find your work?
You can see examples of my digital work on my website: www.ericasturla.com I also show my work in galleries and attend several art fairs throughout the year, which I love - so great to talk to people and see their reactions to your work!
Which artists have inspired you?
I admire so many artists' work, but all time contemporary favourites include Beryl Cook, Quentin Blake and the beautiful mosaics of Amanda Anderson, but I also love the historical paintings of Peter Bruegel and his amazing, busy scenes filled with people.
What’s something creative you’ve done during lockdown?
I took a two day zoom course in web presence for creatives and finally got around to replacing my tired old website (something I've been meaning to do for about four years) It's not going to win any prizes for design and it's still work in progress, but I'm pretty please with how it turned out.
What’s your best piece of advice for other artists?
Find your voice and enjoy using it. Don't take yourself too seriously - Two pieces of advice I follow closely.
Favourite Quote?
I love this quote and it's so true.
"There is no real beauty without some slight imperfection" - James Salter
