Evoking and Inspiring Emotion Through Art

Art has truly evolved over the years with artists showing us so many new and innovative ways to paint. Good artists try to create something unique and are constantly gathering knowledge and pushing it far outside their square. Together, novel artists have changed the direction of art, always being inspired by the beautiful surroundings around them. Fluid art is a form of abstract art that uses acrylic paints with a runny or fluid consistency. A therapeutic form of art that can be used on many types of substrates and in many different forms such as pouring, dripping, swirling, glazing, dipping, and many other effects.

If you have come across fluid art, you have definitely realized that there are no rules for the paint palette with fluid art. Erica Noronha is obsessed with fluid art and started her brand “Evoke” which focuses on people-centric designs and themes to make spaces feel more lively and vibrant. The brand is basically about evoking sentimental or emotional memories or feelings that hold special to an individual, through art. Her intention is to leave a visual print on the minds of viewers.

 At Goan Insider, we had a chat with Erica to know a little about Evoke and what she has planned with it. The excerpts of our conversation are below.

Tell us a little about yourself

Hey! My name is Erica, I was born and brought up in Goa. I am an architect who loves experimenting with textures, colors, and patterns and I have a keen interest in aesthetics and art. My architectural background is a never-ending world of learning and my free time is always used for something creative. I love trying something new.

What is the inspiration behind ‘Evoke by Erica’? Did you receive any training?

“Evoke” is a brand that focuses on people-centric design and themes to make spaces feel more lively and vibrant. The brand is basically about evoking sentimental or emotional memories or feelings that hold special to an individual, through art. The intention is to leave a visual print on the minds of viewers. I use this platform to display the story of an architect living her life being inspired by her daily routine, hoping to also inspire others to do what they love. 

Most of my understanding of color and patterns has come from my background as an architect. I came across fluid art at an introductory workshop with an artist from Delhi, Meghaa Goel. We were introduced to fluid art mediums of which I was intrigued by the medium, ‘epoxy resin’ used in art, and continuously experimented with it. The most I have learned with epoxy resin is through trial and error. I have learned that what you can do with resin is limitless.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

I am a full-time architect. My love for textures, patterns, and color has evolved greatly because of what I do. It is a never-ending learning process for me. I believe that my creations have evolved mainly from my practice as an architect.

Tell us about your connection to art? Which artists are you most influenced by?

My connection to art is a contemplative one that is different from what I have every day during work hours. I tend to lose track of time or even existence when I am in the process of creating something. It is like a therapeutic escape from my everyday routine. My journey with art began with Acrylic paints back in architecture college, and now, The Milan Art Institute hugely influences my way of using acrylic paints. They are always up to date on the newest techniques and have online classes to educate those interested artists. My latest obsession however is fluid art. 

What I love most about fluid art is the way the medium flows, which brings me a lot of peace and calmness, much like how we get all our brilliant ideas in the shower. The state of ‘flow’ always makes me think and break new boundaries. I love to be in that state of mind.

What inspires you to create art? Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?

As an architect, I get to go places and see things. Most of this subconsciously influences my aesthetics. My vision as an architect and how I develop my aesthetics have a major role in how I create art as well. Most of the time, it is built form among nature that inspires me the most to replicate or create pieces of similar combinations. The beauty of things or objects or buildings in their everyday imperfect state ‘being’ what they are, influences me to create. 

What is fluid art and what got you interested in it?

Fluid art is an art technique that uses liquid paints to create one of a kind pieces without traditional brushwork. Paint is applied to a canvas by pouring, sprinkling, or other dynamic methods. Fluid art uses mediums of liquid form and is also a therapeutic form of art. There are different mediums for fluid art, they are alcohol inks, acrylic pour and epoxy resin. 

I had one experience where I was introduced to these mediums and it was a very therapeutic experience for me. I realized that it is the state of ‘flow’ that made me feel that way. Soon enough, I knew I needed this to be a part of me. Of the three mediums, the possibilities with resin seemed to intrigue me the most. The limitless things resin can do, never stops ideas from  flowing into my mind. Getting these ideas to reality is what keeps me going.

What are the different artistic pieces that you create?

I started off with coasters. I have slowly developed other products as well, like cheese trays, shot glasses, cupcake stands, wine bottle coasters, serving trays and even tables. Epoxy resin has no boundaries, that is what makes me so keen on experimenting with it.

What does your art mean to you? 

I always thought that my art was a reflection of what I am and the experiences I have. It can be a very therapeutic way of letting go of energies good or bad. My art feels like a part of me. The pieces that teach me about myself are the ones that I keep. 

Do you conduct any workshops?

I have not conducted any workshops yet, but I intend to start a few fluid art workshops. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic I plan to hold online workshops that will come with a preorder kit.

What’s integral to the work of an artist?

According to me, I think every artist has a personal style. It takes time to figure out your style. That can be found faster when an artist continuously paints or creates. It is essential to look at what similar artists are doing and also to keep experimenting and trying new things. Once an artist finds his/her style, there will be no stopping, as this is what drives the person to create more of what he/she believes is a part of themselves.

How do you know when a piece of art you are working on is done?

This would differ from person to person, but for me, when I feel I have achieved a certain composition that complements what I want my art to evoke for my viewers is when I know the piece is done. It would be my idea of what is aesthetically pleasing to me. Sometimes when I feel a block, I work on something different and get back to the piece.

What is your artistic outlook on life?

I make use of everything I experience in my life. I believe that living my life beyond art, makes my artwork more meaningful. I use my bad days as well as my good days to create art. The energies that are formed due to your experiences in life make each artwork unique. I am grateful for what makes or breaks me; it lets me create.

Tell us how a day in your life looks like? Your schedule for a day right from the time you get up till you hit the bed at night.

I work a 9 to 6 job as an architect. I wake up around 7.30am and make a list of things to do so that im mentally prepared for it. Right after breakfast I have a cup of coffee and head to work. At work, I am either at my desk drawing on my computer or going to site to see how the ideas are coming to life. I love playing around with forms and learning about material compositions. Everyday at work is a learning process for me. I keep a mental note of what grabs my attention during the day. I even click pictures of it to help me recollect. My phone memory is almost always full. 

I get home after work and freshen up and the next thing I do is create. I like going into that space that I feel is mine and where I spend time with myself. I also like doing this after work because it helps me de-stress or be calm. If I have worked on resin it takes about 12 hours till it can set and 24 hours till it has dried and can be handled for finishing. After which I let it cure for another 12 to 24 hours depending on the piece. Most of the time, my patience gets ahead of me and I tend to wake up early the next morning just so I can check on my pieces after the 12-hour gap. I am not a morning person but needing to check on my resin artwork makes waking up a bit easier for me. 

What is the dream or ultimate goal?

The fluid state brings about an immense state of peace. For me, this is a therapeutic experience. I would love to be able to introduce fluid art to people in the way I experience it. Artist or non-artistic background, I believe the therapeutic state is for all. 

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