This is a very long overdue feature, like 9 months to be exact.  

I had missed the email from April from Erica and discovered it recently.

Enjoy getting to know this multitalented artist who explores many diciplines… 

Erica Kane Fink

Ypsilanti, MI

What is your training?

I received my BFA from the University of Michigan School of Art and Design and specialized in printmaking, painting and performance. Subsequently, I have taken many ceramics and weaving classes.

What inspires you and your designs?

My work is very much material driven. I am constantly exploring new mediums and experimenting with ways of combining traditional craft techniques with modern design. My process involves lengthy experimentation and relies heavily on spontaneity and improvisation.

What is your favorite piece?

I recently created a textural wall tapestry with patches of neutral fibers which was really different for me because I usually work with intensely bright and highly contrasting tones. It was fun to experiment with tonal restraint. This piece is currently for sale at Young and Able in NYC. Shop more HERE.

How has the your area influenced your work?

I live and work in Ypsilanti, MI, a small town in Southeast Michigan in between Detroit and Ann Arbor. Living in a small town with access to the happenings of a big city has been the best balance for me. I spend most of my time working in my home studio but when I need a break, there is always a band to see or an opening to go to. Although Ypsilanti is a very small town, it is intensely creative and packed with interesting people carving out their own path. Living in a city with such a supportive attitude toward creative work makes organizing community art and music events very easy.

What is your favorite restaurant in (your city)?

My favorite spot for coffee is Cultivate

and breakfast/lunch is Beezy’s.

What is your favorite cocktail?

My friend taught me how to make Gimlets last spring and it’s all I’ve been drinking since. Fresh limes is the key.

How do you balance personal life and work?

I haven’t tried to do this yet. The up and downside to making a career out of your passion is that when you’re working it doesn’t feel like you are working. My partner is a composer and has a similar relationship to work/life balance. Our home and studio space is constantly filled with music and art projects and we like it that way.

Dream trip?

Coming out of a long, gray Michigan winter, Mexico is now at the top of my list. I’m eager to visit Oaxaca and spend time learning from weavers and artists down there.

Dream commission?

I would love to design bedding, curtains, objects and wallpaper for a Children’s Hospitals. I recently launched a collection of surface pattern designs and the possibilities are endless for how they could be implemented.

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

Flowers. Who doesn’t love flowers?

Who is your style icon?

My younger brother, Isaac. He embroiders his own clothes and is constantly experimenting with color and patterns. He is currently selling his own line of limited edition hand printed T shirts with line drawings of people lost in their own worlds. He is based out of Detroit.

Your favorite up and coming artist?

Christin Ripley in Catskill, NY. Her brand, Objects n The Round offers meticulously crafted hand made marbled pillows, garments, paper and accessories. I visit her work every summer at a craft fair I do, Hudson River Exchange.

What is your most treasured possession?

My art materials. Everything else is just stuff. My art materials are waiting to become something.

What are you reading?

Vegan recipe books.

What are you listening to?

I mostly listen to my partner, Eric, working on all different kinds of incredible music in his studio next to mine. I love getting to witness his process while I’m working through my own. It feels like I have my own personal sound track to my workday. Besides him, I love Frazey Ford, The Strokes, and my friends band, Assateague.

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

I always look forward to The Secret Catalog that State the Label puts out featuring boutique designers and artists creating limited edition collections.

Check out a selection of Erica’s work….

Shop Erica on Serena & Lily and Etsy.

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