Eric Rader | Artist & Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Rader and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Eric, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
One of the most challenging moments I faced was shortly after my daughter was born. I was a full-time artist, my income was completely unpredictable, and I was scared about being able to provide for my family. For a moment I considered giving up on the art scene and going back and getting a regular job for the sake of stability. I quickly snapped out of it and told myself that “I have a role to play. I have to be a living example to my daughter. I have to show her that she can do absolutely anything with her life, and that anything is possible as long as she dedicates her life to it.” After that I went all in, my painting concepts transformed into a playful style that embraces my inner child, and it’s all thanks to my beautiful and brilliant daughter. I’m learning just as much from her as she is from me.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work is simply a visual aid to things I’m experiencing and feeling. Life is crazy and painting helps me gain small amounts of clarity. Every piece has a story or meaning to it, some of them are very obvious while others are a bit more cryptic. They all have a positive tone, are meant to motivate, but basically I create my own self-help books in the form of paintings (lol). I think by documenting these experiences in the form of paintings people who have had similar experiences resonate with the work. The journey has not been, and still is not, an easy one. There have been moments of wanting to give up, being dead broke and having a loss of that “creative flow”. I realized “doing what you love” does not mean there won’t be challenges and set backs, there are days that REALLY suck! Perseverance, taking risks and chasing the things that scare me the most has had a lot of thrill, adventure and reward to it. I trust that as long as I’m developing my passion and continually moving closer to my true potential the Universe will continue to have my back.
Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Skate Venice Beach Boardwalk (stay for the sunsets and live music), Santa Monica Pier and 2nd St. Promenade, dive bars with live music all over Hollywood/Studio City, Downtown LA Artwalk and Arts District, Pancakes and Booze LA art show, 626 Night Market, 2nd St. Long Beach,
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my fellow, ride or die, artist comrades. We are surviving because of our love and support for one another. I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing without these people; Eddy Lee (@eddyleeart), Jesse Rodriguez (@JesseJFR), Ela Mella (@Ela_Mella), Chris Ouk (@wikidcanvas), Jesus Ocampo (@benjibug) Shout out to my daughter. Freya you are the source of my inspiration, my muse.
Website: https://arixart.com/
Instagram: instagram.com/arixart
Facebook: facebook.com/arixart
Image Credits
Image credits: Jesus Ocampo (@benjibug) and @rickyy_vee