Samuel Jablon sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about his background in poetry, Joan Mitchell, feeling optimistically doomed, and taking his work to the next level. Once I start painting all I care about is the paint. (ES) First, describe your work for us.(SJ) My work is about poetry as much as it is … Read more
Daisy Parris sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about jigsaw puzzles, the history of South London, the difference between painting on paper and canvas, and being healed by the process. I am a sucker for nostalgia. (ES) Tell us a bit about your background. Where did you grow up?(DP) I grew up in Kent, … Read more
Olve Sande checks in from Oslo to speak with Erik Sommer about the influence of place, how he conceives his work, being inspired by reading, and testing new pieces against the mess of daily life. To work and to make things is just another way of thinking. (ES) Tell us a bit about your background. … Read more
Fresh off his show with Pam Glick at Ober Gallery, Max Frintrop checks in with Erik Sommer to talk about simple tomato sauces, gazing into a void, the rush of small ideas, and assisting with the fight against Coronavirus. Painting and I, this is a symbiosis. (ES) First, describe your work for us.(MF) It is … Read more
Dan Flanagan sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about the Prado Museum, knocking on wood, political cartoons, and meeting Susan Rothenberg. I am heavily influenced by New York City. (ES) Describe your work for us.(DF) I would describe it simply as big drawings. Tell us a bit about your background. Where did you grow … Read more
Ciro Duclos sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about James Turrell, the architectural features of his work, how he started questioning materials, and the significance of borders. I like to play with the viewers’ expectations. (ES) Describe your work for us.(CD) My main medium is sculpture and installation. I like to play with the … Read more
Rachel Howard sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about her use of control and chance, misappropriating material, the importance of drawing, and the privilege of living with art in the house. I never follow the instructions. (ES) Describe your work for us.(RH) I do not have a style per se, as I do not … Read more
Charlotte Thrane sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about negotiating space, her love of upholstery foam, surprising herself in the studio, and her need for physical activity. For me there is a certain sense of freedom associated with expressing beauty without guilt or fear. (ES) Describe your work for us.(CT) I often work with … Read more
Andrea Carpita sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about his recognizable palette, his use of digital sketches, the importance of staying connected, and Kurt Cobain. I am looking for a way to paint everything. (ES) Describe your work for us.(AC) This is the most complex question. I do not have a clear answer to … Read more
Noah Latif Lamp sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about blowing up paint, growing up among artists, confessing to the Cloud, and painting with crocodiles. I like grand dialogues already loaded with tension. (ES) Describe your work for us.(NLL) My work is an amalgamation of the everyday and the extraordinary. I take the everyday … Read more