is a contemporary abstract painter who lives and works in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 2012 Erik moved to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue his passion in music and earned a degree in music performance at Atlanta Institute Of Music. In 2018 Erik was inspired to paint having seen a YouTube video about abstract painting. What began as simple splatter of paint evolved after noticing the similarities between music and painting. Therefore, Erik began applying concepts of jazz improvisation to his paintings. Erik is mostly self taught, and has taken one year of college level painting and drawing classes.

Artist Statement

My work is best described as a visual form of jazz improvisation. I use both familiar and homemade tools to apply and remove paint. The ever-changing color palette allows for direct self expression. This is the equivalent of improvising in the moment with a live band, capturing the excitement of what happens next. I often take chances that could make or break an entire painting in any given moment.