Erin Ashcraft

I am a painter, a muralist, and a lifelong native of Arkansas. Much of my creative vision is heavily influenced by the reminiscence of time spent outdoors; growing up in the rural timberlands of the Delta, the forest became my escape. My work is both playful and symbolic, often using vibrant colors to convey a sense of nostalgia. Working large scale in acrylic paint is my preferred method of creating. My process typically starts as a digital sketch with collage elements and subsequently transfers into a physical space. The setting in which a painting resides often impacts my design. My work helps bring new life into communal spaces while focusing on the cultural and societal impact of public art. My work highlights the juxtaposition of navigating societal systems through the lens of child-like innocence, offering a counter-cultural, romanticized understanding of the gravity of our humanity in all of its beauty and its shortcomings. The imagery of animals holds a special place in my work because they carry personal meaning and aid in communicating cultural norms. I am fascinated by the concept and imagery of innocence and the impact this has on my understanding of myself and others.