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
Abel Kabel sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about Gauguin, painting on their carpet, combinations of colors, and not making perfect art. I just found out I like crude and crummy art. (ES) Describe your work for us.(AK) I would describe it as explorational. Mostly within myself. Oh, and crummy. Tell us a bit … 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
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
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 PUBLIC Gallery in London, Hunter Potter sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about trench-art ashtrays, hobo markings, his love of Larry McMurtry, and how he finds the beginning of a painting on a blank canvas. I like this concept of a story’s strength being determined by who is telling … Read more