Meet Erik Van Dam | Artist and Musician

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

Hi Erik, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
For me, it wasn’t really a choice. I’ve been making art and music from a very early age. Creation is kind of like an itch I have to scratch.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art and music lies somewhere in making sense of the world; it’s jagged edges, weird and beautiful creases, and almost alien spaces. I like to think of myself as a traveler, navigating the textures of sight and sound. I’m truly excited for a path that has limitless branches everytime I pick up my saxophone or a mark making tool. As an art teacher, I’m inspired daily by the energy my middle schoolers possess. Out of school, I’m still developing my visual and auditory languages. I often embrace the struggle and look for it in the art of others. The world is not complete with some gritt. Things don’t grow and flourish without it. The hard part, is not letting struggles keep you down, but rather to appreciate them as a part of the process. Maybe, they even add dimension to a person in a world where so much is invented to flatten the soul. I learned that a creative person cannot truly take stock in what others think. The world of art is as diverse as the many cultures that inhabit the planet. You have to keep that passion, that flame in your heart alive. I’d like the world to find something to respond to in my art and music. It’d be nice if they were able to breathe and find something that enhances the experience of being alive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is a lot to see and experience near me. I’d take them to Western MA to see the Berkshires, towns like North Hampton and its embrace of artistic culture. I’d like to go out to Mass Moca, a great museum. One of my family’s favorite things to do is visit southern Maine for its beautiful coastline, beaches, and hidden vistas. We’d go to the Cliff House in Cape Neddick where I perform often to sip a cocktail. The view of the ocean colliding into a 50 foot Cliff is so calming. We’d go to Up and Up in Saco for a cocktail and free video games. We’d go to Boston to experience great food, more innovative cocktail bars, and historic architecture. We could also find some live music to check out. Most of my friends are artists and musicians, so I’d leave some time for sessions with local musicians or painting outside. I also like to talk to discuss ideas and directions in art and music. Both diasporas offer endless conversation.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom always pushed me in my creative endeavors from when I first showed interest in drawing. Today, my wife is a supporting force and inspires some of my creative decisions.

Instagram: @Vandamage360

Other: https://erikvandam.bandcamp.com/ https://music.amazon.com/albums/B09GW5B8YS?ref=dm_sh_s50AJladEnZ5oauRpspOPmMhG
https://youtu.be/E7jcUvTFVu0?si=jIqbeJ_r4r7CEadr https://youtu.be/xkQGhdqjkXY?si=hJ3eAA8ss6jO5tHk