Today we’re excited to be connecting with Chris Erickson again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Chris , we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
My name is Chris Erickson. I am a Carbondale, Colorado based painting, sculptor and muralist. I love working with bold and colorful imagery that captures the viewer and encourages a dialog. Growing up in Denver, I was inspired by 80’s skate culture, iconography, posters and graffiti art. Now I strive to create work that speaks to an issue and hopefully unites community.

Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
Since we last spoke, I’ve had the opportunity to work on some truly exciting projects. In 2022, I collaborated with Aspen Ski Company and Protect Our Winters to create and install a life-sized Melting Gondola at the top of Aspen Mountain. The sculpture was a clear nod to climate change and the dystopian future of the ski industry.

In the summer of 2023, the City of Aspen, in conjunction with the Aspen Ideas Festival, commissioned me to design and coordinate a 5,000-square-foot street mural, which was painted by community members. This project was incredibly rewarding, as it brought people together in a meaningful way, fostering connections that we all seem to need right now.

Most recently, just a few weeks ago, I installed an outdoor public sculpture for the Town of Carbondale, commissioned by Carbondale Arts. I was fortunate to collaborate with some of my favorite local artists on this project, making it all the more special.

We have now arrived at one of our favorite parts of the interview – the lightning round. We’ll ask you a few quick questions to give us all some fun insights about you.

Favorite Movie: Raising Arizona

Favorite Book: People’s History of The United States

Favorite TV Show: South Park

Favorite Band or Artist: The Talking Heads

Sweet or Savory: Savory

Mountains or Beach: Mountains

Favorite Sport (to watch): Football

Favorite Sport (to play): Mountain Biking

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Yes- Soccer, Basketball, Skate board, snowboard, BMX

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Artist

French Fries or Onion Rings: French Fries

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Who are they?

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Simpsons

Favorite Childhood movie: Jaws

Favorite Breakfast Food: eggs

What are you most excited about in the coming year?
In the coming year I am most excited about working on a new body of work– working on canvas again. I had a child last year and her growth, excitement and curiosity has really been an inspiration for new work and initiated a new approach for me.

Website: https://ericksonchris.com

Instagram: @chrisericksonart

Image Credits
Dylan Brown

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