Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Brown.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Growing up as an introvert, I often had trouble expressing myself verbally. In high school, I found photography as a means of communication and confidence that I was unable to find in any other extracurricular activity. I heavily struggled with anxiety and fear — fear of failing, of not being accepted and, more specifically, of how others perceived me.
This newfound love of photography not only helped me overcome these fears — it gave me a voice. Through my work, I realized, I could not be silenced, no matter what difficulties or criticisms were thrown at me. I discovered that any message I was trying to get across, any feeling I needed to express, any revelation I wanted to share with the world could be represented by a picture, a design, an illustration… I learned I am my most powerful when using no words at all. In a way, photography saved me from the biggest critic — myself.
The same way photography forced me to confront and trust my own feelings, it has also instilled in me a passion for emphasizing and bringing out other people’s emotions. Through photographs, I am able to communicate and understand others with deeper empathy.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a photographer fueled with passion for helping people express themselves. Not only do I want to better understand the people I photograph. I want to create work that allows my audience to easily connect with my subjects. My hope is that anyone who comes in contact with my art walks away with a deeper sense of self and belonging.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
A couple of years ago, when I started to lose sight of my purpose, I stopped and asked myself, “what makes you feel alive and most connected to others?” The resounding answer was photography.
What I wish I’d learned earlier is, don’t be afraid to try absolutely everything. Failure is not synonymous with bad; rather, it is an opportunity for direct learning and growth. Stemming from that lesson is the notion to do something new every day. The outcome is of little importance — this new or uncomfortable or seemingly ridiculous “thing” you are trying may result in your worst work — but progress happens in the smallest of moments while pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work can be seen on Instagram, Facebook or by visiting my digital portfolio (ericarb.com), where I feature design work in addition to photography. To support my art, please follow my Instagram (@ericabrown.photos) and like my Facebook page (facebook.com/ericabrown.photos/). You can also book a portrait session, hire me to photograph upcoming events or milestones, or share my work with your community. Please email ericarb.photo@gmail.com for more information.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ericarb.com
- Email: ericarb.photo@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ericabrown.photos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericabrown.photos
Image Credit:
Erica R. Brown Photography
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