Featured Artist: Erika Laine Hansen

Miss Erika Laine Hansen resides in Lakewood, Ohio, with the famous artist playnature and their six pets.
She sells her work under the name erika originals.

What is your first memory of your craft? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
My mother worked as a graphic designer and illustrator, and she brought art into my life at a very early age. Some of my earliest memories are of painting and drawing. She would always bring home free paper samples from work, as well as makers and pens that were no longer of the quality needed for illustration, but perfect for a toddler to play with. When I was about 5 years old, my grandfather gave me a huge bag of plastic beads for christmas and I started making jewelry. I would also use the beads that he and my father created fishing lures out of to make necklaces.

What is it that draws you to making jewelry?
I love creating new things out of old components. Vintage beads and findings inspire me to create glass beads that will compliment them. I love making things that are new and fresh, yet have a sense of history. I also enjoy the chemistry involved in flameworking glass beads: the way that the elements in different colors of glass react and create different organic effects.

How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?
No two of my pieces are alike. Each necklace or pair of earrings is original and will not be duplicated.
That’s why I call my company erika originals — each piece is truly an original.  My work is vibrant, quirky, stylish, and modern. I don’t think that a person can help but to create things that are an extension of his or her personality. What you make is a visual representation of how you see the world around you.

What are your inspirations? How are they expressed in your work?
Nature is one of my biggest inspirations. As a biologist I love organic forms and try to incorporate bits of shell, sea glass, and found objects into my work. I also believe in reclaiming the past and incorporating it into current work. Salvaging and recycling vintage and antique beads and images is both an ecological and philosophical inspiration.

Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
I love too many of my creations to call any one a favorite.

When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
I don’t think I have ever viewed creating as a hobby. It is just something that I feel compelled to do, and that I have to do to find balance in my life. Making things makes me happy.

As far as when did I know I could possibly profit from my passion, that probably happened when Among Friends gallery in Peninsula, Ohio, accepted my work at the age of 15. To become a part of the artistic community at such a young age, I felt that I must be creating something special.

Describe your workspace.
Unfortunately for playnature, my workspace is everywhere at the moment. During the milder months of spring and summer, I work in our somewhat finished attic. In the freezing cold of the winter, and heat of the summer, most of my work moves downstairs to the dining room table and living room! I set up my torch in front of the windows on the kitchen counter, too. Hopefully, once I graduate and we can afford a larger house, we will have a room devoted to creating!

What is your favorite task related to your work? Your least favorite?
I love making things. I hate having to figure out pricing and promoting my work.

Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
I would say I am an all around creative person. I paint, draw, knit, cook, sew a bit, sing and I used to be a part of the modern dance department at school.  I am also a life long member of the International Thespian Society!

Tell us something about you that we might be surprised to hear.
I once danced on top of a picnic table with Beck.

Also, one time after consuming too much rum,  I allowed two of my ex-boyfriends to shave my head. I was so punk rock back then.

Where can we find your work?
Currently, I only have my work for sale online at www.erikaorignals.etsy.com. I will soon be listing some of my handmade beads for sale in my supply shop: www.misserika.etsy.com.

Both galleries I was selling my work in closed due to the economy.  Hopefully, I will soon find new representation in the northern Ohio area.