Meet Erika Pifher

We recently connected with Erika Pifher and have shared our conversation below.

Erika, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

I am currently working as a full time artist, but also have the experience as a former art teacher, which gives me a unique foundation and keeps my creativity alive. I approach my work with the same curiosity that I encouraged in my students, experimenting with different techniques, mediums, and styles as if I myself were learning something new. This reignites a sense of discovery and adventure in my work. Maintaining a daily painting practice, even if it is just for a short amount of time, helps to keep the creativity flowing.
Staying engaged with the local art community is also a big influence on my creativity.
Partnering with other creatives or participating in collaborative projects can spark new ideas, and the shared energy from others often brings fresh perspectives and techniques to my own work.
I am lucky to live in a community that is very supportive of local artists, and I frequently attend local galleries and exhibitions which I find both motivating and inspiring.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I work full time as a artist, creating abstract paintings, and I am also co-founder of Free Art Wilmington. My journey through art has not only been a personal expression of my love for painting but also a testament to my belief in the transformative power of art. My paintings capture the essence of emotion, texture, and movement. They are a mix of vivid color palettes and intricate details, each one reflecting my deep connection to both natural and abstract forms. To me, painting is more than just creating something visually beautiful. It’s also about finding that raw, emotive quality that speaks to people on a personal level.

Wilmington, NC has been the perfect backdrop for my artistic journey. The city’s growing art scene offers endless inspiration, with its coastal landscapes, vibrant downtown, and supportive community of fellow creatives. I am passionate about both creating, sharing and promoting art. As a founding partner of Free Art Wilmington, my goal is to foster collaboration and inclusivity among local artists. Free Art Wilmington is a community initiative designed to make art more accessible to the public, with a mission to promote and support artists of all backgrounds. Through art installations and public events, we have worked to ensure that creativity flows freely throughout Wilmington, NC, enriching the cultural landscape of the city. Art has a way of connecting us in ways words sometimes can’t. It’s vital that we continue to push the boundaries of what art can do for our community, especially here in Wilmington, where there’s such a rich history and vibrant local culture.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

As a former art teacher and now artist, adaptability, resilience and persistence, as well as a strong sense of observation and inspiration, have played a huge role in my creative journey. Whether learning new techniques, shifting to different mediums, or embracing changes in the art world, being open to continuous learning has kept my practice fresh and evolving. The ability to push through self-doubt, external criticism, or rejection has been essential to my growth.

My advice to new artists is to embrace the process: It’s important not to get stuck in one style or medium early on. Beginners should allow themselves to explore different paths without fear of failure. Every experiment, even if it doesn’t turn out as expected, teaches something valuable. It’s also important to have a support system. Being part of a creative community, whether through teaching, participating in galleries, or working with other artists, provides invaluable feedback, support, and collaboration opportunities. Lastly, stay curious: cultivate a mindset of being a lifelong learner. Attend workshops, watch tutorials, and seek out books or online courses in areas where you feel you could grow. The more you expand your creative toolkit, the more versatile and innovative your work becomes.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Adaptability-I left a twenty five year career as an art teacher and moved to North Carolina just a little over a year ago. I quickly adapted to my new environment and established myself in the local art community, which required networking, understanding the art market, and navigating how my work fits within it.
As a co-founder of Free Art Wilmington, I have quickly grown beyond my solitary role as an artist, to becoming an advocate to help support the larger art community—building connections, championing artists, and making an impact on others through leadership and creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.erikapifherart.com
• Instagram: @erikapifherart
• Other: @freeartwilmington

Image Credits

Erika Pifher