Erik Pederson (Spring 2014)

About the Artist

A life as an artist is a tough embrace. While one chooses to become a teacher, a mechanic, or a doctor; one must be fully consumed by creative passion in order to be an artist. In that sense art is far from an occupation, but rather a worldview. I began painting, drawing, and sculpting early in my teen years and later enrolled as an art student during my freshman year at the University of Wyoming. Although I took just the basic studio classes of drawing, 2-D, 3-D, and color theory, my skills as an artist grew considerably. However, I had reservations about a career in art and instead majored in Religious Studies.

After discerning a vocation to the Catholic priesthood, I moved to Grays Harbor as a volunteer tutor. Something about the local atmosphere has again stoked the flames of my creative passion and I have been painting with a renewed vigor. Lately I have been largely influenced by the abstract expressionists and by the freedom with which they approached painting. Although I frequently paint from scenery, working in a purely abstract manner with bold colors and loose brush strokes allows me to convey the strong emotions within me.

Contact Information: barberik52@gmail.com

Works on display in 2014 Spring Show at Grays Harbor Community Hospital Healing Gallery:

Westport, Acrylic 18 x 22 $200
Drydock, Acrylic 12 x 18 $100


Diminished Returns – Acrylic on board 24 x 17.5 $100