Erik Peterson
Erik L. Peterson is a public artist, sculptor, and museum educator living and working in Chicago. He is best known for his large-scale urban interventions and neon installations (The Oasis, above, Seep, and Inner State), signature edible ice cream sculptures (CreamCycle and Soft Palate), and public performances camouflaged within urban spaces (Checks and Balances, Two Tow'n and Square Dance). His work often subtly redefines viewers' relationships to their own vision and understanding of how their bodies interact within ordinary spaces. His large-scale sculptures and performances encourage people to become active participants in the creation of their own public and civic spaces. Additionally, Peterson is a founder of Hyde Park Kunstverein, a community museum and solo project space in Chicago and Qeej Hero, a trans-cultural video game starring the Hmong wind instrument called the qeej.
CNL: What is one thing you feel you have learned or experienced as an artist that you feel you can share with your peers and emerging artists in the field?
EP: In my experience, the best thing you can do to support your own art practice is to support other artists. It is not only fun and rewarding to visit other artists’ studios, go to their openings and promote them on your own Instagram account, but it creates a networks of mutual support that you can all draw from when you inevitably need some assistance (whether its advice on a new direction for your work or some extra hands to help you move out of your studio). It’ll also net you a couple friends for life ;)
CNL: What’s something that you’re seeking from others in the field to support your practice?
EP: Though I’m always looking for help carrying a sculpture or welding an anchor or photoshop a new rendering, I think the hidden support that is most necessary for sustaining a viable art practice are the great conversations that I have with fellow practitioners - artists, curators, arts administrators, and museum educators - as as well as the meetings I have with collaborators when we’re visioning and designing a new project.
CNL: What’s a piece of advice you would share with other artists or cultural producers in your field?
EP: Don’t be too scared to ask for assistance when you need it and don’t be too busy to lend a hand to your fellow artists!
