Artist Statement
My work is centered around raising awareness regarding life, the environment, and the intricate relationship between humans and animals. I draw inspiration from the most stunning and unique flora and fauna, ranging from extinct species to those at risk of extinction, endangered, or on the vulnerable list. By creating art that represents these animals, I aim to express my unwavering commitment to their survival and continued existence. Unfortunately, due to our interference with their habitat, a tendency to imprison them, contribute to torture tourism or hunt and kill them in the name of strength or sport, some of these species will be extinct in just a few years. Even today, trafficking in endangered species is rampant. I am steadfast in my desire to create art that highlights these species and keeps their beauty alive. My artistic representation of these animals is both realistic in its colors and shapes and influenced by abstract, surrealist, and expressionist styles. I start my paintings with an acrylic underpainting on the larger sections and then fill in the layers with oil until the highlights are finished. I express myself through the use of sprays, stencils, sgraphy glazes, and other techniques.
Artist Bio
Erika Dos is originally from Brazil but has been living in the United States since April 2022. Growing up in Brazil, she learned to appreciate nature, which later became a source of inspiration for her. Erika started painting when she was 14 years old, but she only studied the history of art while pursuing a degree in Fashion Design at university because art as a career was not common in her community at that time. Her school of art consisted of community painting classes and old magazine collections featuring works by great artists. After enjoying a successful career in strategic marketing and running her own company for 14 years, Erika decided to leave her job to pursue her passion for art full-time.Erika Dos is originally from Brazil but has been living in the United States since April 2022. Growing up in Brazil, she learned to appreciate nature, which later became a source of inspiration for her. Erika started painting when she was 14 years old, but she only studied the history of art while pursuing a degree in Fashion Design at university because art as a career was not common in her community at that time. Her school of art consisted of community painting classes and old magazine collections featuring works by great artists. After enjoying a successful career in strategic marketing and running her own company for 14 years, Erika decided to leave her job to pursue her passion for art full-time.
