DEAN DAY GALLERY

ARTIST STATEMENT

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Erica Vhay was born into a family of architects and artists. Her great grandfather Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln Borglum were famous for their sculpting of Mount Rushmore and many other renowned works of art.

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Vhay attended the University of Oregon where she received her degree in Fine Art; focusing in ceramic sculpture, drawing and painting. Since graduating, she has combined her trade as a professional graphic designer and oil painting to serve her art career of sixteen years.

Her work is varied: including explorations in abstract, figurative and landscape painting. Her graphic design background is evident through her use of negative space, intelligent composition, and strong form. Regarding process, “On the final layer I place the paint on the canvas and leave each stroke as it was applied. This honors the direct quality of the paint and my process. I don't go back to rework the piece. How I am feeling on that day, that moment, can be seen in the brushstrokes: cautious or brave, random or studied. I believe art is more powerful if the viewer can see evidence of the painter in the work,” says Erica Vhay.