Interview with Erick Mota
With disciplinary inspirations ranging from Jean-Michel Basquiat to Paul Cézanne, Erick's artwork - an amalgam of modernism, surrealism, and the abstract - not only reflects the world around him but the inner workings of those inhabiting that world, their most wicked demons and noble aspirations.
Erick's love for art is a family affair. His brother, Daniel, is a world-renowned graphic designer and father, Anibal, is an accomplished fine artist known for whimsical mixed-media interpretations of urban landscapes.
How would you describe yourself and your artwork?
I would describe myself as being a very introspective person. I believe any piece of artwork is an idea about something in the form of an idealized interpretation. Therefore, my artwork reflects an expression of life and an array of emotions within my heart and mind that words cannot. Being able to capture the emotion and make people able to feel that same emotion or feeling through my art, is something I try to accomplish with each painting. I try to encapsulate psychological aspects of life and interpret them metaphorically or literally through my artwork.
How do you go about beginning a new piece? Do you have an idea already in mind, or do you start working with materials or sketches to find the departure point?
For the most part, when beginning a new piece, I already have a concept in mind. I usually do a light sketch in pencil or charcoal that eventually gets painted over with a light base colour. I primarily use oil paints, so I rarely am working on just one painting at a time. Usually, I’m working on 3 to 5 paintings at once due to the length of time oil paints can take to dry.
. When do you think your most prolific time of day or week is?
I am definitely more of a night person, so I would say at night is where my most prolific tendencies flourish. I try to start with an end in mind, knowing what I want to accomplish in a painting session, however, sometimes I just get in the zone and find myself painting until the morning.
What is a barrier you as an artist overcame? Is there anything that enabled you to develop your work as an artist in your life?
A barrier I overcame as an artist is “imposter syndrome.” Because I didn’t have formal art training, and rather learned from just watching my father create art since my youngest childhood memories, I always felt there was more I should know that I should’ve learned in an art school. I would find myself scared to attempt certain paintings or compare my abilities to other artists, rather than create my own style. I know there is plenty I still need to learn, but eventually, I overcame that doubt in myself and what I am capable of creating. I just committed to consistent creation, painting without holding back and worrying about critique or comparing myself to others.
Working with a prolific art coach was a huge progression in becoming more comfortable as an artist. She is instrumental in teaching me the business side of art, helping me to break barriers regarding self-doubt and rejection, and just helping me grow as an artist. I am always receptive to learning and find myself still discovering and developing different styles and techniques.
Did you have an idea of what you wanted to create right from the beginning?
Usually, it’s an idea that was written down in the “Notes” section of my phone. I probably have more than a hundred concepts in there that I will look to paint at some point - sometimes it may just be a title that pops into my head and I need to write it down, sometimes it’s a drawing, and sometimes it’s just a series of jumbled words. For the most part, they probably look like a foreign language to anyone else, but it makes sense to me. There are times when an idea can sit there for years until I finally decide how to approach the subject. For example, there was a concept of God playing the Devil in chess that I thought of maybe 10 years ago. I struggled with the idea of how to paint God, what the chessboard would look like, etc. Finally, last year it just came to me and became one of my personal favorites, which I titled “The Game of Life.” If I would’ve attempted this 10 years ago when I thought of the concept, it wouldn’t even be close to the same painting. I learned to just let ideas sit there until I finally know what I want to create. Sometimes those ideas are no longer relevant and it never comes to fruition, but generally, I have so many ideas in mind, it never becomes uninspiring.
What is the meaning or creative inspiration for your work? We’re curious what the narrative or story is to what you are producing?
I have studied psychology for probably half of my life, and currently finishing up getting my PhD this year. Therefore, psychology is a strong influence in my daily life and I try to incorporate a psychological implication in most pieces, from the title of the works to specific colors being used. I try to find inspiration in anything and let my mind wander. Sometimes I like to just people-watch, pay attention to idiosyncrasies, or observe the natural world, in order to further formulate the narrative of what I intend to produce.
Besides your artworks, are there any other things in life that your voice as an artist may consider vital or valuable? What makes you joyful and creative, in other words?
I always consider my family and my closest friends as the most valuable thing in my life. My father, for instance, will always be my favorite artist and my greatest influence in the art world. My father came to this country from Venezuela at the age of 18, studying art at NYU, where he eventually would meet my mother. Later in life, he worked at NYU and did art more out of passion, than to make a career out of it. However, he was always busy creating art at every opportunity he had. I remember waking up on weekends to hear the sounds of Latin jazz blasting throughout the house, knowing he was in the process of painting or creating something. He never displayed his work anywhere other than our home, never sold paintings, and never wanted any type of prominence for his art. It was strictly personal, and although our house looked like a museum, I was always curious as to why he never had that desire to show his work to the world. That curiousity would later serve as motivation for me to do the opposite and explore different avenues of art, creating my own path based off the influence I had always known. Now, having his artwork displayed in my house serves as daily motivation to get better, understand the history of art, and create my own ideas. I love working on a piece and being able to show my father what I am currently working on. One of my best memories as an artist is creating a personal piece called “Spirit Animal” and having my father observe me painting, offering advice and feedback, while I created that one. His influence continues to inspire my daily, along with my children who love to honestly critique my artwork.
Are there any exhibitions or places where people can see these beautiful creations in person soon? Anything on the horizon?
I have many projects I am working on this year, such as a few publications and international exhibitions. However, one of my most exciting moments as an artist will come sometime this summer when my artwork will be on display, along with other artists, in Times Square in New York City. Growing up in New York City, this was always my dream. I remember telling friends and family that one day my work will be displayed there and now that surreal moment is almost here.
It has definitely been a continuous learning process, and I have met some wonderful artists along the way who have alot more experience, helping to guide me towards applying to open calls and in gaining more exposure. As I move forward, I will incessantly explore opportunities and ways to improve. I expect 2022 to be my biggest year yet and I am looking forward to what is next.
