We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica G. Peralta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When it comes to the fine art world, risk taking can be a challenge in a world that rewards safety. I believe my art practice is based on risk taking. Whether I am discussing topics that are hard to swallow, or I’m visualizing a reality through practical concepts; I investigate the structure of systems and base my work on the institutions that have raised me. Speaking out on my truth as a person creates a vulnerable and cathartic connection with my audience, creating a chance for the viewer to create their own meaning for what they see. This can be tricky.

Opening myself up to opportunities without judgment, doubt, and worry I was able to develop an art practice that suited my taste for interactive learning through performance art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The journey through my art practice is like a roller coaster. I went through school from the age of five to twenty four years old. Saying “I’ve been going to school for 20 years,” sounds like a career.

I will always include my education into my career history as I’ve spent literally my whole life within educational institutions. My parents are both in educational fields, but my roots tell a different story.

My maternal and paternal grandparents had their struggles. Growing up, it was hard to process my privilege compared to the harsh realities of my grandparents. My grandparents worked hard in their respective fields to push their children for better. I finally realized this concept during my time at Otis, which was a great time to isolate myself during the pandemic and make work that fed my soul.

I realized my passion is researching and piecing together the puzzle of my family tree through cardboard sculptures of restaurants, businesses, and homes. I started to paint acrylic grid-plan paintings to guide my mind through tough experiences and generational trauma. I always use my experiences as a human to guide what the next body of work will be. Labor will always be a topic in my work; so I choose to meticulously plan and execute my pieces, which means a lot of measuring and cutting cardboard by hand. It takes time but the process is worth it. A baby architect if you will.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is so much great art to see in LA and I feel like every day I find a new gallery. Chinatown, Lincoln Heights. Charlie James, field projects, LAST Projects on Ave 20, Altura LA. Most galleries take appointments, so be mindful of that!

Ethiopian food on Fairfax is the best!
I’m always into walking down Sawtelle and stopping for a bowl of ramen. I love food but I usually don’t remember the names of restaurants. I can tell street names!

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?
I’ll begin my shoutout by mentioning the incredible support and guidance I received at Otis College of Art and Design during my time these past couple years in the MFA program. Graduating in May, I didn’t expect everything would fall into place. Mentors like Annetta Kapon, Jennifer Moon, Asher Hartman, Kade Twist, Judie Bamber and Kori Newkirk have shaped how I make and create art. I’ve been given the tools to continue forward making incredible things. I’d also like to shout out Kade Twist, specifically, because he introduced me to Raul Baltazar, whom I’d also like to shout out. During my program, Raul provided a generative space to make work and meet a network of amazing influential Los Angeles Chicano artists.

Website: www.proyectoXtra.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/2loquita2

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/proyectoxtrax?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
The photos of the four paintings are from my most recent show with LAST Projects in Lincoln Heights. The two sculptures will be featured in a Friendsgiving pop-up show in the Bay Area, CA on November 18.

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