Booooooom: How would you describe your work to someone who has never seen it?

Eric Louie: I would describe my work as two dimensional sculptures inhabiting spaces or unknown places. They are smooth to the touch yet sharp in their depictions of metallic-looking forms playing off one another. They are both metaphysical and abstract.

What is your motivation for making things? Why do you create?

I go into the studio almost every day to create. It is an ongoing process where I’m constantly thinking about paintings, even on my down time! It is certainly an obsession/addiction or whatever you’d call that. This desire to manifest my thoughts to reality and uncover them as I go along. That need to discover and add something to this world.

Can you share a little context or a story about one of the artworks we purchased for PARKWAY, “Early Riser #1”?

I was playing around with these birdlike forms and this one became some hybrid with a plant of sorts. Not too sure how else I would describe its synthesis but these type of interactions occur a lot in my practice.

How has living here in BC inspired you?

Living in BC has had so much influence or inspiration on my work and life. The connection with nature seems to be heightened even when living in the city and finds its way into my art on many levels.

With everything that is happening virtually these days, how important is it for you to still be part of a local arts community?

I’ve had the privilege of putting on a few shows during the pandemic and they felt kind of pointless without having people attend and that community. I really miss that interaction and in person dialogue/connection. Artists definitely need community as we operate so often alone. I’m excited for the times ahead where we can all meet freely.

What’s one goal you have for this next year?

This year I’d like to focus on experimenting and discovery of new approaches in my work…some research and development.

What about one thing you’d like to accomplish in your lifetime?

I’d be fortunate to be invited to do a major museum show in my lifetime! That would be an honour.

Eric Louie’s Website

Eric Louie on Instagram