Eric Nelson was born in Vashon, Washington. His father, Ibsen Nelson, was a well-known architect and has even designed buildings here at Western Washington University. Nelson, being raised in a home of creativity, discovered his craft in ceramics whilst still in high school. He went on to create of the first American anagma kiln after studying art in Asia for years and since then has continued working in his own studio making large handmade sculptures. In his artwork, we can see a motif of contemporary forms of abstract expression and various patterns. The different colors and designs Nelson incorporates into his artwork are symbols of various religions and cultures that he experienced and learned from over the course of his career.

Nelson’s time as an artist produced a lot of diversity within what he gave to the world. He brought in inspiration when he returned from his travels early in his career and also other ancient artwork that included his own variations of them. Nelson’s artwork tended to display a story of his life from growing up in Washington State and the influence of the influences of wood firing techniques through apprenticeships in Japan, and having a creative, architect father. Just like he believes that symbols provide a concrete symbol of a human experience of life’s journey, it is perpetuated through his work that he will live through long after he passes.

    

Artist Statement:

In response to Eric Nelson’s message about his piece, we created a small painting to symbolize his themes further. In the work, all over Nelson’s sculpture pieces are present along with a bare tree in the background. When we think of life in general, we thought about the tree of life, how we start small and as time progresses, we move on up and keep moving up. The tree was not only supposed to express this progression and because all the pieces were located within/outside the Environmental studies building, a hint of nature was much needed.  Much like what Nelson mentioned that this piece is symbolize the journey of life and we wanted to represent that journey itself through the ceramic tiles.  Each piece on the painting is in order from which you see the tiles in real life. Starting from the concourse below on the trunk of the tree, to the fifth and sixth floor of the building on top of the tree.

Credits:

Darbi Lamb (Admin) : Painting & photography featured

Emil Chan: Research & Planning

Brandy Steffen: Research & Locating tiles throughout the building

Sources:

“Eric Nelsen Art at the Traver Gallery.” Traver Gallery, www.travergallery.com/gallery_artist_details/Eric-Nelsen.aspx?&da=resume&upcoming=0. Web. Accessed Oct. 21st

“Eric Nelsen.” Eric Nelsen – Artist, Fine Art Prices, Auction Records for Eric Nelsen, www.askart.com/artist/Eric_Nelsen/128266/Eric_Nelsen.aspx. Web. Accessed Oct. 20th