While Erik has been working like a mad man to finish his solo show here at White Walls, he has kindly taken the time to answer some interview questions. Erik’s work is so interesting because of the found materials he uses in his pieces. His artwork evolves as the environment around him changes, and it’s a brilliant and beautiful process to see.

Check out this interview to really get an idea of the inner grindings of Erik Otto.

How has your creative process evolved throughout your career?  Where do you see the direction of your artwork going in the future?

The materials I find play a big role in my creative process. I see my artwork growing in scale and amount of layers as well as more experimentation with new mediums such as digital media.

From where do you draw inspiration?  Do other forms of art – music, performance, dance, etc. – influence the creation of your own art?

Recently, I find the most inspiration  in things that were created outside of  the gallery and art world. Whether it  is a sign painted by someone with no  formal training or the simple beauty  found in nature. The less human  interference the better.

Your new pieces appear very  dreamlike, whimsical, and eerie,  do you often remember your  dreams or gain new ideas from  happenings in your dreams?

I can never seem to remember what I dreamt the night before let alone make any sense of it. My artwork is more about a conscious dream and everything that tries to stop it.

As environment often influences an artist in various ways, as a resident of San Francisco, has the city influenced the ways in which you look at or create art?

San Francisco is a small city filled with a range of influence sitting door to door to one another. My best inspiration comes when I am not looking for it, but having a city that offers so much in a small area increases unusual connections, which can lead to great ideas.

You often utilize recycled and salvaged pieces in your installations; how did you begin using these materials and how do you find and choose them?  Do you have a specific concept in mind when searching for materials, or does your concept develop based on the sorts of materials found?

After realizing how much material is wasted every day in every city everywhere, I felt compelled to commit to a practice that involves using material that is already out there as much as possible. My concepts usually happen in the sketchbook first, but when necessary I allow the materials to add to the story. It can be a daunting task to allow too much influence during material selection when I am at places like the dump, so knowing what’s available and being specific helps.

Were you interested in art as a child?

Sure, but I think every child was…I think I just never let the creative spirit fade away. I also didn’t feel I ever made the conscious decision to be an artist as a child – I simply gravitated to it. Art became a way for me to engage myself and I feel fortunate to have it grow into something that can affect so many people.

Erik’s new works will be shown at White Walls from September 11th-October 2nd 2010.

Please join us for the opening reception on September 11th from 7-11PM.

Cheers!