Pictured Erik at a recent exhibition of his work. From left: Elvis, his mom, Erik and Fredy.
In just three years, award-winning painter Erik R. Sosa has rapidly become well-known in the art world—not only for his work but also for his philanthropy ( having allied himself with organizations ranging from the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the Gay Games to the Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. ) . In between working a full-time job and preparing for his next exhibition—'The Art-See Fart-See Show,' a benefit for Urban Gateways, which provides arts programs for kids—Sosa took a few moments to talk with Windy City Times about his creative process and becoming a bigger fish in the art pond.
Windy City Times: So ... are you ready for your show?
Erik R. Sosa: No! [ Laughs. ] I'm actually a little nervous, although it'll be a fun show. Usually, it's me, my artwork and the guests—and I'm scrambling around, trying to get PR. This time around, it's completely reversed. I have a publicist who's hopefully getting more mainstream PR, but I've sold out of my artwork so I have none to show. I have to focus really hard and pull out some great pieces.
WCT: How long does it typically take you to put together a piece?
ERS: It definitely varies. If I'm in a creative space, I can come up with 4 or 5 pieces in a couple of days. I never know what I'm going to paint—it comes from my heart and soul. It's literally colors and lines that will define what's going to be my painting.
For me, if it's an aesthetic painting, I'm happy. It pushes my boundaries because, even though it may be pretty [ to me ] , I wonder if [ other ] people will like it. I sometimes invite other people to look at my art and see if it's something I should paint over. However, if I'm not in a creative space, it can take me a couple of days to paint something; I won't like the way it's going so I'll have to paint over it.
WCT: It's interesting that you ask other people to look over your paintings. You say that it comes from within you, but others become the barometers of [ what's acceptable ] .
ERS: It's challenging. Everyone, to some degree, is insecure. Here is a good point: Growing up, I was a minority in the sense that I was poor and going to a private high school. I was also an illegal immigrant and gay. So I think that's why I paint for beauty and acceptance.
WCT: So you wouldn't necessarily say that you paint for yourself?
ERS: That's a good question. Well, yes and no. Technically, I do paint for myself because I ultimately decide if I want to show it. At the same time, I paint for aesthetics. I want [ the items ] to be light and I want people to enjoy them. I take images I like and put my own twist on them. For example, I could never do something like M.C. Escher's images but I love Keith Haring; I could take Escher's images and make them more Haringesque. It's taking bits and pieces of what I know and like and creating my own pieces.
WCT: What motifs are present in your works?
ERS: As an abstract artist, I use a lot of circles and squares and organic shapes—which gives it a graffiti look at times. Lately, I've been letting loose with wall paint and throwing it on a wet canvas. I put the paint into a sandwich bag, cut off one of the corners and squeeze it out onto the canvas; it creates lines that look spread out and glazed.
When I first started, I was thinking coasters. Then, I started letting go and [ items ] had a lot more character to them.
WCT: Now, let's go back to the beginning. Is it true that, growing up, you were afraid to use crayons because you were concerned they would break?
ERS: Yes. I have always been enamored by paintings and artistry in general. When I came to the United States with my parents [ in 1975 ] , I was an illegal immigrant—so I figured that, in order to survive and ultimately take care of my parents, I had to have a real life as a 9-to-5 individual. Well, life can take you down a path that you want but didn't necessarily think you could [ have ] —that's how I ended up as an artist. I knew I loved color because I didn't want to use crayons because they would wear away; they would no longer, in essence, be perfect. So I've always been reserved about using colors and lines.
One day, about four years ago, I was working for a certain health organization and my boss talked to me in a way that was [ disrespectful ] . So we had it out and I [ ultimately ] left. I wasn't sure what to do and I started painting. People actually started liking what I was doing. Eventually, I found a space and put on a show. I figured that if I made a little profit, that would be great. Now, it has evolved into a business, I guess. My shows have also now become fundraisers [ as well as exhibitions ] ; I want to give back. [ Sosa's full-time job is with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. ]
WCT: How did you decide upon Urban Gateways [ to benefit ] ?
ERS: I think I have the respect and support of the gay community; it's undeniable. For me to grow as an artist, I need to reach mainstream agencies. Urban Gateways will benefit from me as I will from them. I also want to target the mainstream audience. I don't want to be known as 'Erik Sosa, the gay artist.' I want to be known as 'Erik Sosa, the Chicago artist,' someone who gives back to all communities.
WCT: So when you say you want to grow, you don't mean financially.
ERS: Actually, finances are at the bottom [ of the list ] . I want to be well-known. I want to die being recognized for my artwork—although I never thought I'd be an artist in the first place.
WCT: Why the name 'The Art-See Fart-See Show?'
ERS: I never thought I'd be an artist; I'm doing something I love and it has a philanthropic twist. I'm not an artsy-fartsy person. The show will be comical and a kaleidoscope of what I've done. It will poke fun at the serious image of some art shows.
WCT: In your Web site's mission statement, you say that your ability comes from your 'surroundings, knowledge and experiences.' So if you're, say, in love—do you paint differently than if you're not in love?
ERS: Yes, I probably would. If I was truly feeling love [ at the moment I'm painting ] I would throw in reds and browns instead of blues and blacks. I think that's where I derive my statement. Without lines, there is no direction; without color, there is no emotion.
WCT: What's the most challenging aspect of being an artist?
ERS: Aside from the commercial aspect, I think that getting recognized is so hard and you have to keep pushing your product. I'm so passionate about what I do; it's who I am. Having been in OUT magazine, I have to say that I truly respect who are out there in terms of the media. I have people writing to me from all over the country—and it's such a great ( and humbling ) feeling to know that you're the reason that some people are inspired.
WCT: Is that at odds with what you said earlier about wanting to be known as more than a gay artist?
ERS: Well ... I will always be a gay person. Being an artist is great, but being a gay artist in Chicago is something that I will hold dear and true to my heart; nobody can ever take that niche away from me. Then again, there's something to be said for mainstream artwork as well; there's more recognition and it's not so specific.
WCT: What is art to you?
ERS: Art is having the ability to create, inspire and give. Giving back to the community —that is true artistry.
'The Art-See Fart-See Show' will take place Jan. 12 at Wag Artworks, 2121 W. Division, 6-9 p.m. The donation at the door is $10. See www.erikrsosa.com .
