Katie Eraser
Narrm (Melbourne)-based contemporary artist.
Tell us about your journey to becoming an artist.
I’ve always been submerged in ‘art’ in some form, but only recently felt ready to claim the title of ‘artist,’ I came back to painting around 5 years ago, after a brief hiatus and some much needed time away. I reinvented my practice, changed my name and in doing so sank back into the passion that held me before. I have been fascinated and inspired by art since I can remember, nothing gives me the same satisfaction or joy. I’ve just started studying my Masters of Contemporary Art at the VCA so I’m looking forward to seeing where my practice moves from here.
How important is coffee to your daily life?
Ahh I’m the worst – I am team tea over coffee – green first but then really anything else after that. I do love coffee when she’s in an espresso martini tho!
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Wow huge question, I feel like the most honest answer is it’s always shifting! International artists I’m vibing right now are Toyin Ojih Odutola, Daisy Parris, Genesis Tramaine and Tschabala Self. Artists closer to home that are working on the unceded lands that I’m fortunate enough to work on are the indomitable First Nations artist Kaylene Whiskey, and the incredible painters Karen Black and Julia Trybala.
How do you stay inspired?
I find I am more motivated, inspired and productive when I move between different contexts. I find that ideas and emotions never run dry if I do this. I read about artists I identify with and I’m always looking for new work or words that I give me that jolt of energy or resonance. Ultimately, and out of compulsion, I am interested in painting to connect to the unknown and initiate conversation. I paint to articulate emotion and have that emotion, whether dissonant or resonant felt by the viewer. I find myself painting to understand myself and reach out to others.
Do you have any daily rituals?
I’ve come to realise that I need to start the day with some form of exercise – I do this in the morning – it is vital for my mental health. When I get into the studio I love to burn incense, I feel like it awakens my senses and makes me feel ready to get in the flow of making. At some point in each day I have a little inspo sesh – I’m a visual person who is constantly collecting images, both mentally and in my Google drive lol. I am prone to an Insta dive, but nothing beats the tactile joy of thumbing through a book of luscious imagery.