Erik Barthels

Where are you from and where do you currently reside?: I am from Lake Charles, LA and now live in Mandeville, just north of New Orleans.
New Orleans is known for its creative atmosphere. How does the city inspire you?: I’ve always had a soft spot for the idiosyncratic – places, signs, handmade objects, and people that are beautifully askew, and there is no shortage here. I can’t think of a more colorful, captivating place to be. It’s cosmic and timeless and always engaging.
Who are a few artists that inspire you and why?: I’m particularly fond of Dan Walsh’s paintings – his layering of color is direct and simple, yet it hums in an otherworldly kind of way. Recently, I’ve been enamored with the work of Ryan McLaughlin as well as Shaker gift drawings and abstract Tantric painting – all striking, simple, and small.

Digital Delay

I’ve always had a soft spot for the idiosyncratic – places, signs, handmade objects, and people that are beautifully askew, and there is no shortage here. — Erik Barthels

When you are not in the studio, where can people find you?: You can probably find me in a park nearby, chasing after my kids.
Watercolor is known for its difficulty as a medium. How do you control (or not control) the way in which colors fill the paper?: Complete control of watercolor isn’t possible for me, which is liberating. Instead of brushes, I use squeegees to push and pull drops of watercolor across the paper. I have a rough idea of the composition I’d like to make, but there are always imperfections and surprises. I move around quickly in the studio, as this helps with sustaining momentum and keeping my focus away from the pile of unsuccessful paintings.

Twin Two Tier

Wow and Flutter

You’ve created a delicately bold conversation on paper. Do you focus your attention on color over form, vice versa, or do they share equal importance?: Color is always my primary concern. I spend a good time mixing paint, building up a color palette for a session’s work. If I can get off to a running start with colors I’m happy with, all other decisions come easier.

More from Meet

Browse Artist Interviews

Meet Evi O.

Evi O.'s paintings are colorful abstractions that recount her daily experience with a sense of humor, sentimentality, and candor.

More from the Journal

Browse Posts

Inside the Studio CHIAOZZA on site-specific installations

Explore the multidisciplinary practice of artist duo CHIAOZZA in this behind-the-scenes look at some of their most recent projects.

More From Erik Barthels

More from Meet

More from the Journal