Erick Mota is a Venezuelan-American fine artist born and raised in New York City. Erick’s work – an amalgam of modernism, surrealism, and the abstract – not only reflects the world around him but the inner workings of those inhibiting that world; their most wicked demons and noble aspirations. Erick is both an astute student of life and disciplined at his core, holding a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Organizational - Industrial psychology, as well as a Ph.D. As a longtime student of psychology, Erick integrates psychological aspects to create his paintings that are visually appealing and come with many interpretations. Erick uses oil as a medium.
Artist: Erick Mota
Based in New York, United States
Instagram:
erickmotaart
Culturally Arts Collective features:
"Hidden Eyes", April 18-May 27 2022, Milostka Center for Exhibitions
What do you aim to say by the themes in your art?
I put much thought into each work in order to execute my vision. With each painting I aim to tell a valuable story that will be endlessly impactful to the thoughts, moods, and actions of people.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My biggest inspiration is my father. My earliest memories would be my father always creating art. Having that around me my entire life forced me to look at the world a little different, with a more introspective lens that searched for meanings behind specific things.
Do you have experiences that impacted your art?
I am currently finishing up my PhD in psychology. Therefore, psychology has always impacted my art in the sense that the discipline elaborates on both creative and perceptive activities, evoking processes such as perception, emotion, etc.
Do you feel your art challenges existing barriers?
When I first decided to pursue an art career, I tried to challenge barriers and keep up with current events. I realized that wasn’t for me, and was pulling me in a direction in which I was experiencing “imposter syndrome.” An art coach was effective in breaking me out of this cycle. I now paint with a freedom that has no rules, no limits, and no boundaries. I remember having the thought of how no formal art education would diminish how I may be perceived by others. I now look at it as an advantage, as it is teaching me to minimize perfectionism, and challenge myself to improve with each work without knowing traditional tendencies.
What are your long-term artistic goals?
At this time, my long-term artistic goals are to keep improving by creating more art. By taking more risks, and welcoming failures as a learning opportunity, I will be driven to adapt and change in meaningful ways that will positively contribute to my artistic journey. I also want to learn different ways to share my art with the world, participate in more exhibitions, publications, etc. and fearlessly explore new opportunities as they arise.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
The best advice I can give aspiring artists is to never stop challenging yourself. There is no boundary that indicates the highest degree of competence, so while we can strive for perfection, don’t be discouraged by not achieving perfection. Instead, embrace your mistakes as learning opportunities and create art with passion, as it will translate to others in an inspiring manner.
