About

Erica Olive Shirk (b. 1977)

Growing up on the outskirts of Denver, I was always an active outdoor girl who loved to create. Pens, paper and paints made up my early repertoire of work. As I grew older I discovered other means of expression in the arts. I attended the University of Denver for Art and Chemistry. Upon completion of my degrees I found a natural fit in teaching. I really enjoy working with adolescents, both in the classroom and out of it. For several years I taught chemistry, physics, mathematics, and art at the high school level.

Upon moving to Alaska I decided to devote myself full time to my artistic practice. I discovered the art of prints while at the University of Denver. I cannot say that I have a preferred method in the printmaking field, but I tend to gravitate to working in wood. The physical nature of the medium, thinking about the process of steps to completion, along with my love of paper has really drawn me into the woodblock reduction style.

I moved to the Tacoma Washington area in 2021. With that change I not only moved locations, but my artistic practice also took a change. It took awhile for me to get back into the studio full time, but now that I am there, I find that my work has pivoted inwards. I have put away my printing and expanded my drawing directly on paper with brush and ink. This has proven cathartic from the move and allowed me the freedom to express myself in direct methods.