Meet Erik Mark Sandberg | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erik Mark Sandberg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erik Mark, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
Undoubtedly, the most crucial lesson my business/career has imparted is the paramount significance of hard work. Though heard often, this adage assumes particular indispensability within my career as a visual artist. The practice necessitates a repeated commitment to long hours of labor within the confines of my studio, fostering the continual development of craft and language. Admittedly, the contemporary milieu is rife with numerous distractions that may intrude upon the work. Therefore, managing one’s personal and studio-related expectations demands some fancy footwork and enduring perseverance, often resulting in protracted days in the studio.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a contemporary painter, the artworks delve into the multifaceted intricacies inherent in contemporary consumer culture and love in the modern age. Anchored in the ordinary aspects of daily life, the paintings find inspiration in the quotidian. Employing a considered fusion of mediums, the works manifest intricate representations of hirsute figures and allegorical narratives. The carefully crafted pieces establish a painterly realm that transcends the boundaries demarcating the natural world from the synthetic realm of the digital sphere. In doing so, they offer a nuanced exploration of the human condition. By acting as catalysts for contemplation, the paintings ask viewers to engage with the intricacies of our existence within a spatial domain imbued with profound psychological dimensions.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a longstanding resident of Los Angeles, the following could be the start of a curated itinerary that delves into some diverse facets of the city for the first-time visitor.

Day 1:
• Morning: Commence the sojourn with an art-focused day in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). The Broad Museum, or MOCA, shall be the nucleus of the day’s exploration.
• Afternoon: Embark on a distinctive venture by availing the Angels Flight, descending from Bunker Hill, and leisurely strolling to the Grand Central Market, Little Tokyo, and the Arts District will offer some glimpses into the city’s multifaceted heritage.

Day 2:
• Embrace the quintessence of LA’s beach culture with a day along the coastline. Beginning at Venice Beach, bike along the picturesque strand towards Santa Monica to view some coastal vistas.
• Alternatively, for a more relaxed ambiance, a northbound excursion to Malibu, punctuated by indulging in the local delights offered by The Reel Inn, a classic beachside fish shack, or Café Habana.

Day 3:
• Morning: Begin with a scenic walk in Griffith Park to The Griffith Observatory, an eminent landmark. The observatory presents a panoramic vista of the city, catering to the proclivities of hiking enthusiasts.
• Evening: Savor a gratifying experience by beginning the evening with a convivial happy hour at La Poubelle in Franklin Village, followed by traversing westward through Hollywood to culminate the day with dinner and drinks at The Eveleigh on Sunset Blvd.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My acknowledgment extends to my father, whose invaluable support has significantly contributed to my professional pursuits. Additionally, I am grateful to the esteemed collectors, curators, and fellow artists who have demonstrated an appreciation for the work. As a painter, a support network is integral to nurturing the growth and advancement of creative endeavors. Even within the visual arts domain, a relatively modest yet dedicated support group can engender a transformative trajectory, yielding rewarding opportunities.

Website: https://eriksandberg.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikmarksandberg