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
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
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
Hetty Douglas sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about her love of Pink Angels, the bluntness of text, making herself vulnerable to the canvas, and finding comfort in texture. I just love to paint. (ES) Describe your work for us.(HD) An exploration of self, surrounding fears, feelings of confusion, sadness, hate, love and hope. … Read more
Cristina de Miguel sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about hot Sevillian summers, the immediacy of painting, being honest with herself, and the importance of taking dance breaks. I am full of contradictions. (ES) Describe your work for us.(CdM) My approach to painting is very emotional. I try to think in formal terms also, … Read more
Ricardo Passaporte sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about Freddie Brice, Google street view, logos and brands, and not chilling in his studio. I like to see silver on concrete. (ES) Describe your work for us.(RP) It is not easy for me. The moments when I think about my work are before I start … Read more
Fresh off his show at Monica King Contemporary, Taylor Anton White sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about green studio chairs, William Anastasi, stuffed macaws, and the importance of mimicry. I get excited when something I do is interpreted in a totally different way than I intended. (ES) Describe your work for us.(TAW) One … Read more