Artist Spotlight: LU’s 2021 Visual Arts Graduates
In the final edition of the Artist Spotlight for the 2020/2021 season, we’re taking a different approach: highlighting both of Lakehead’s 2021 Visual Art Graduates, as opposed to focusing on one individual. As they begin taking their first steps into the “real world” after experiencing the whirlwind of post-secondary education, we, too, can celebrate the end of a semester and school year nobody saw coming.
An artist from an early age, Erika has always been interested in the world of visual art. Erika began taking steps to hone her skills and focus her passion in elementary school, continuing her growth as an artist in high school.
“I always knew I wanted to somehow make art a part of my life, and a part of my career after university.”
Erika is well-versed across many mediums. While exploring the world of painting and the other disciplines, Erika found her stride at Lakehead majoring in Ceramics and minoring in Drawing.
Erika draws a massive amount of inspiration from nature. As a self-proclaimed “country girl” Erika spends most of her time outdoors, gravitating towards trees and living creatures, which are two major influences in her work. Currently, Erika is working on a collection of pieces resembling the four elements (earth, air, water, and fire). By imagining their personification, Erika hopes to gain and share a better understanding of human-element interaction.
Post-graduation, Erika plans on continuing her work with ceramics and developing her skills as an artist. Erika is also growing a small business with her artwork, with the hopes of expanding further once she’s completed her degree. Keramiikka Maan (Finnish), the name of her business, roughly translates to “poetry of the earth”. It is clear the link Erika has with nature and how meaningful it has been to her both personally and professionally.
The biggest thing Erika hopes people take away from her art is the connection we all, as humans, have with nature.
To connect with Erika, check out keramiikkamaan.com as well as her Instagram and Facebook: @erika.niva.art
The following Images are works by Erika Niva, described as the prototypes of her "element creatures".
Coming from a long line of artists, surrounded by a family of painters, builders, and creators, Julia has no shortage of at-home inspiration. However, it wasn't until the second half of her high school career that she began exploring her artistic abilities.
"I decided in grade 11 to continue developing my artwork. I had some great experiences with my teachers in addition to realizing creating art was kind of fun."
Julia pulls inspiration from the stigma surrounding mental health, ensuring her work appeals both to her experiences as well as her audience. She also finds inspiration in nature and the spaces we build around ourselves as humans. Her ultimate aim is to design art and furniture for celebrities - and to party with Seth Rogen.
"My work is weird. I think it's weird. People tell me it's weird. Celebrities like weird things."
For now, Julia would be happy to simply be featured in a gallery. Beyond designing artwork for high society, Julia hopes to get her Master’s in Fine Arts (MFA) and an art therapy degree.
Currently, Julia is working on clay-based life-size furniture. In doing so, she explores the relationship between the human body and interior spaces by giving the furniture human features like hands and feet, as opposed to more traditional "feet" found at the bottom of our furniture. Her hope is that her audience can connect with the objects surrounding us in everyday life and in this connection find creative meaning in their use/design.
Julia sees more education in her immediate future, either pursuing a B.Ed or Masters of Arts and Social Justice. Whichever she goes for first, Julia is excited about the opportunities that lay ahead.
To connect with Julia on Instagram: @___jmart___
The following images are examples of Julia Mills’ work.
Julia Mills
Deflated, 2020, ceramic, ribbon and stain
Julia Mills
7 stages, 2019, ceramic and stain
Julia Mills
Living Room, 2020, ceramic and stain
To see more from these students in the upcoming online Juried Show exhibition, please visit https://theag.ca. The Juried Show will open on April 14th, with the opening reception taking place Friday April 16th via Zoom.
Anyone interested in attending the opening reception can contact the Chair of the Visual Arts department Kristy Holmes at kholmes@lakeheadu.ca.