Erik Mark Sandberg "Girl with Sweater", 20'' x 16'', oil, glitter, resin, silk-screen on panel, 2008
Andrea Offermann for creative face Magazine
On the occasion of ILLUSTRATIVE 09 in Berlin the artist, designer and publicist Andrea Offermann interviewed Erik Mark Sandberg for creative face Magazine:
creative face: You grew up in Minnesota then moved to California and in your recent show at Johanssen Gallery in Berlin you are challenging the narrow window of accepted beauty standards in society. How did living so close to the Hollywood dream factory shape you and your understanding of culture?
Erik Mark Sandberg: I spent most of my early years growing up in a conservative mid western suburb, where it was flannel shirts and traditional values. It was later in my life that I moved to Los Angeles - the land of everything else. The dichotomy of cultural values is quite apparent. A lot of my work comments on this now. The city is uniquely special and fascinating in the way that it can grow, or rot, dreams at lightning speed. The gamut of diverse human psychological states fuels the city’s energy. The city’s locations have lived in such high profile for so long, it often invokes déjà vu-like moments.
creative face: You were a master student with Anthony Zepeda for 4 years. How did the printmaking techniques influence your work? Do you use the techniques for your fine art or illustration portfolio?
Erik Mark Sandberg: Yes, I think Anthony’s extensive educational generosity was a huge influence on how I approach the construction of my work, and how each process effects meaning for the work’s communication.
creative face: You have participated in the Illustrative show several times. How has the event evolved within the last years?
Erik Mark Sandberg: Participating in Illustrative has been a unique experience in the fact that it brings contemporary illustrators who are making personal images together.
creative face: The Illustrative is showcasing illustration specifically. Do you think it is important to put a spotlight on illustration, or should the art scene in general rather stress diversity?
Erik Mark Sandberg: I think the festival is geared and marketed to showcase contemporary illustration, highlighting the fact that the artist’s involved have unique personal voices that can communicate to the populous as well as the elite. The work is approachable, and some also can be historically relevant in it’s approach and execution of ideas.
creative face: You studied illustration but are fast conquering the fine art world. Do you see yourself as an illustrator or a fine artist? Is the difference important to you and your work at all?
Erik Mark Sandberg: The difference is important. “Illustration” is a malleable term. If an image is attached to a story, poster or CD, it has a specific context or purpose. When approaching exhibition work, the relevance comes from a historical and theoretical point. You’re making art against the burden of history. The difference is substantial, but there are times when things can walk the line.
creative face: You are showing your work internationally. How do you perceive the art scenes in different countries?
Erik Mark Sandberg: As a painter in the digital age, images and artists get blogged about instantly. The art fair trend has added to a more international market as well. The different art scenes seem very excited and enthusiastic about contemporary art and the artist they are presenting. Berlin especially. Collectors are smart. They can research artists extensively and evaluate their investment more accurately through cyberspace.
Thank you very much.
