Exploring the Depths of Human Emotion and Psychological Complexity.
Erick Mota, a visionary artist from Staten Island, NY, invites viewers on an evocative journey through his art, where each piece serves as a testament to the raw power of emotions and the intricate tapestry of human experience. Mota’s approach transcends traditional boundaries, blending his profound philosophical insights with a deep understanding of psychology to create art that resonates on multiple levels.
Growing up in a household filled with his father’s artwork, Mota’s creative spirit was nurtured from an early age. His father, an artist who kept his work private, profoundly influenced young Erick, encouraging him to explore his artistic talents. This early exposure to art fostered a lifelong passion for creativity. Erick’s mother also played a pivotal role in shaping his character, teaching him persistence, patience, and empathy. Mota’s journey into the world of art was marked by an early interest in various forms of expression. From creating comic books with friends to exploring different artistic techniques, he always sought new ways to channel his creativity. This drive eventually led him to explore oil painting, differentiating his style from his father’s acrylic works.
Erick’s academic achievements are as impressive as his artistic ones. Holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and a Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, he is currently pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Leadership. This extensive academic background deeply influences his art, infusing it with psychological depth and introspection.
Six years ago, Mota made a bold decision to resign from his job as a retail manager and pursue art full-time while continuing his doctoral studies. This transition marked a significant turning point in his life, allowing him to dedicate himself fully to his passion for art.
Mota’s art is characterized by its innovative use of psychological elements to evoke emotions and engage viewers. He aims to capture the essence of life and the spectrum of human emotions in his work, creating pieces that reflect the inner workings of his heart, mind, and soul. Each painting is a story, inviting viewers to delve deeper and uncover hidden meanings.
Erick’s style is a blend of introspection and expression, using a range of subjects to showcase his versatility as an artist. His works often incorporate titles, imagery, and the strategic positioning of subjects to create timeless pieces that resonate with viewers on an emotional level. His approach to art is grounded in humility and driven by a passion for continuous growth and learning.
Family remains a central theme in Mota’s life and work. His father, who continues to create art in his retirement, remains Erick’s biggest inspiration. The lessons learned from his parents—persistence, humility, hard work, and the importance of family—are evident in Mota’s dedication to his craft.
Mota’s children also inspire him daily, their adaptability and eagerness to learn serving as a constant source of motivation. This intergenerational influence enriches his art, adding layers of depth and meaning that reflect his personal journey and experiences.
Erick Mota’s work is accessible through various platforms, including his website, ErickMotaArt.com, and his Instagram, @erickmotaart. His art is also displayed in various locations across NYC, such as restaurants and other venues.
Recently, Mota participated in an art exhibition at Cannavita Art Gallery on July 26, 2024. This event provided a platform for him to showcase his latest works and connect with a broader audience. His participation in such exhibitions marks significant milestones in his artistic journey, allowing him to share his vision with the world.
In addition to the Cannavita exhibition, Mota recently showcased his work at Art Santa Fe in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
He is currently preparing for Spectrum Miami during Art Basel week in Miami, Florida, where he plans to unveil new pieces, including the latest in his Brain Vs. Heart series.
Artist Q&A with OA
1. When did you start as an artist? Where did you start out?
I was always creating art as a kid, especially since I was surrounded in a house full of artwork created by my father. He is an artist, but he did it as a hobby, keeping his work personal and meant for only his family to see. Every day it was inspiring to see his artwork immersed on every wall in the house, which constantly promoted ideas for future works of my own. While he worked mainly with acrylic paints, I began learning oil painting techniques to try to find my own niche. It wasn't until about over 6 years ago that I became more serious about putting my ideas into practice, resigned from my job as a retail manager and became a full-time artist, while also being a full-time PhD student.
2. What inspired you the most to begin your journey as an artist?
I was always inspired by lessons taught to me by my parents, with my mom teaching me persistence, patience, and empathy, and my father is who I learned art from, teaching me the importance of family, humility and hard work. But it was something that sparked the desire to put myself out there as an artist several years ago, with the idea that I would rather fail, than never try at all and not know what type of artist I would become. And now with my children watching my every move, I have to teach them these lessons as well. But my children also inspire me daily as they have the amazing ability to adapt to change and a desire to constantly learn.
3. Who are some artists you work with or inspire you ?
My father has always been my biggest inspiration. Creating art for more than 50+ years, he still creates until today, where is now retired and just 74 years old. It is always a mystery as to why he never chose to show his work, never sold any work, never exhibited, etc. But the one medium he never worked with was oil paint, which is why I began my art journey learning the medium and only painting in oil. Growing up with this inspiration was a blessing in that I got to see new works of art right in my house, while growing up in Staten Island. I will forever cherish those memories of watching my father work on a new painting or sculpture or whatever he was working on, and he will forever be my number one artist and my biggest inspiration.
4. Would you say you have a specific style or theme, if so how would you describe that?
When I create art, I want my work to reflect an expression of life and an assembly of emotions, and intended to capture whatever lies within my heart, mind, and soul, that words cannot express the same way. Because I have a deep background in psychology, with each painting, my goal is to capture emotions and make the audience see, feel, and think through their own set of emotions.
5. Where can people find your work?
People can find my work on my website, ErickMotaArt.com. And my Instagram @erickmotaart, where I show previous works and new works in progress. My work can also be found in various parts of NYC, such as restaurants and several other locations that are changing.
6. What have been some of your most recent exhibitions or shows? I just recently came back from Art Santa Fe in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was an amazing experience and I was fascinated by how the art scene is in Santa Fe. 7. What do you have coming up or that you are currently working on?
I am preparing for Spectrum Miami in December during Art Basel week in Miami, Florida. I have been working on a few new paintings, such as the newest Brain Vs. Heart painting for my series. 8. Where can we follow you or stay in the loop with your updates? On Instagram is probably where I am the most active. My IG is @erickmotaart
As Erick Mota continues to refine his craft, he remains committed to pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms. His goal is to make his art known worldwide, reflecting an eclectic vision of life in New York City, the world, and entertainment. With each new piece, Mota invites viewers to join him on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the depths of human emotion and the complexities of the world around us.
Erick Mota’s journey as an artist is a testament to his resilience, passion, and dedication to creative expression. His work stands as a powerful exploration of the human condition, offering viewers a chance to engage with the profound and the personal in equal measure.