Emerging Creative: Erica Pham
Tell us a bit about yourself, and how you started Painting.
I am half Chinese (from Hong Kong)/ Half Vietnamese but was raised in England from the age of 2. In my life time, I studied business in college, worked in and out of nail salons, graduated in Philosophy and Politics, travelled the world, and did many odd jobs before returning home to England during the global pandemic where I uncovered my innate gift of painting at 25 years old. Despite having no formal education I decided to invest my entire life to pursue my creativity. In the first year I built my own website and I am proud to say I work from my own studio and i’m continuing to built my art business and reputation from scratch. Nothing brings me more joy than to put myself and my creations out there.
What made you interested in painting?
When I returned home after years of nomadic travelling and then living abroad, I used the time I had in lockdown to recreate some of the places I had seen and experienced. Once I started painting my old travel photos, I felt instantly transported back in time and I feel that through art, I am able to get my travel fix. I notice finer details that I never noticed when I was there and the feelings of nostalgia and romanticising the world translates in the end result too. During my adventures I also had my spiritual awakening, and often use (mainly the writing side) of my creativity to express the journeys I have within as well as in the physical world. To bridge the gap between the two is something I would aspire to do in future works!
How long ago did you start painting?
2 years ago I realised I could paint as an adult. But I think I’ve always been quite creative when I painted nails or wrote my travel diary. But 2 years is when I admitted to myself that I am a creative being.
What is your favourite piece that you have created and why?
“Sanremo” is probably my favourite. Mainly because it’s my biggest, and I love it when my art takes up space. I love the contrast of flat objects in the back, to the textured foliage on the side. It was exactly this feeling when I was there. The lemon trees grabbed by attention and the view looked just like a painting. I never knew it would become one, but when I recreated it, I remembered the strong smell of coffee and the breeze on the hill from where I took the photo.
Do you have comfort piece you always go back to?
It’s actually one of my poems! It goes:
I find myself constantly wanting more.
But when I find stillness, I remember I already have it all.
Right down to the my very core.
A realisation I’ve had before,
But gets lost in daily life, leaving me feel unsure.
Coming back to myself again and again is always the cure.
A reminder to not get swept away by societies expectations and allure.
Do you have any women in that industry that serve as role models to you/particularly inspire you?
As I have never had art education before, I don’t know many artist, I just know I love to make it! However, I do feel like the works of Georgia O’Keeffe moves me in a certain way. They’re so simple yet complex. I can’t really explain. I also really enjoy the works of Mia Pensa (found her on Instagram). I just love her strong sense of style.
What is a cause you'd like to channel through your work?
That beauty is in everything. In the ugliest parts of the world and ourselves, there is an inherent beauty that can never be sullied. The uglier it gets, the more it is a call to search the beauty underneath. I want people to enjoy beauty and not just see it as a luxury, but an objective truth
What is an unexpected fact about you?
The first ever mountain I ever hiked was Mount Everest. I did the base camp trek when I was 20!
If you could choose a soundtrack to your work, what would it be?
Anything jazzy and soft. Jazz is my go to when I’m in the flow!
You can find more of Erica's work on her Instagram @ericapham.art or contact her by email: email@ericapham-art.com
