Meet Erica Rawson | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Rawson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk is a constant in both my life and career. Often, I make decisions that push me outside my comfort zone—choosing paths that might not have a guaranteed outcome but hold the potential for growth and discovery. When I consider risk, I think about the worst and best possibilities, and I almost always lean into it because the alternative—staying still—feels much more dangerous.

In my career, I’ve said yes to opportunities that didn’t come with clear instructions or guarantees. It’s how I’ve built new connections, both in the art world and in education, and why I’ve been able to navigate these industries in unconventional ways. The thing about taking risks is that even when it doesn’t go as planned, I always come out of it with something learned. The potential for growth far outweighs fear of the unknown.

Ultimately, risk has shaped who I am as an artist, educator, and person. It’s not about being fearless—it’s about valuing the potential for expansion and trusting myself to navigate whatever comes next.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is rooted in exploration: materials, ideas, and the spaces where those two things intersect. I focus on themes like resilience, transformation, and the complexities of human experience, which reflect my own interest in understanding and connecting with the people around me. Whether it’s collaborating with fellow artists, working with students, or engaging in the broader community, I believe that the connections I make are just as important as the work itself. Building relationships has always been a driving force in my life, and it informs how I approach both my art and my career.

I took an unconventional path—dropping out of school, moving to Denver, becoming a mother, learning welding and fabrication, and starting my own business before returning to academia. Each of these shifts came with challenges. It wasn’t a straight line, and there were moments where I doubted if I was on the right path. But I’ve learned that those moments of discomfort are where real growth occurs. The more I’ve leaned into that uncertainty, the more I’ve found clarity and strength in my work.

Art isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, taking risks, and being open to failure as part of the process. Collaboration has been another pivotal lesson; the opportunity to exchange ideas has been crucial to my development. I’m proud of how my work has evolved, and I think what I most want people to know is that my story is still unfolding. My art is always in conversation with the world around me, and I’m constantly pushing myself to think bigger, to explore further, and to create work that’s meaningful and deeply rooted in connection.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1:
I’ll pick you up from the A Line because I refuse to drive to DIA, and bring you back to my place to get settled and be rewarded with snacks and laughter. We’ll catch up, grab a couple of Nashville Pakora sandwiches from the Crypt, and watch Saltburn for the tenth time.
Day 2:
Let’s hike! I love the trails around Golden, because of their proximity to Denver and the town itself. On the way, we’ll pick up sandwiches from Curtis Park Deli for a picnic, and after our hike we’ll stop by Bob’s Atomic Burgers and grab the freshest Coors on tap at Ace High Bar.
Day 3:
Spend the day thrifting on South Broadway and Santa Fe, grab a corndog at Sputnik’s, and lament over the closure of Mutiny Information Cafe. We’ll stick around for Santa Fe’s First Friday Art Walk and then escape the crowd to people-watch at Squire Lounge.
Day 4:
We’ll go to my favorite Denver museums, the Kirkland Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, then walk around City Park and get harassed by rogue geese. Sap Sua for dinner to fuel up before dancing all night at Charlie’s.
Day 5:
Ham and swiss croissants from Reunion Bread for breakfast, watch a movie on my projector, and invite some buddies over for an art night.
Day 6:
We’ll hit Pete’s Kitchen for a gyro cheesesteak and go to a show at Hi-Dive or Larimer Lounge. The next morning, I’ll make you a to-go sandwich and kiss you goodbye.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The coolest person I know: my daughter Clementine. She’s the source of so much inspiration and is my biggest fan.
I’d also love to give a shoutout to MSU Denver’s art community. Throughout my journey, they’ve been a constant source of support, creativity, and inspiration. We’ve pushed each other to take risks, experiment with new ideas, and grow as artists and individuals. The collaborative energy within our group has been unlike anything I’ve experienced—it’s not just about working alongside talented people, it’s about the conversations, critiques, and the genuine connection we’ve built.

Website: https://www.ericarawson.com

Instagram: @ericarawson_art

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@peppafrazz

Image Credits
Stephanie Rodriguez (1 credit)
Juli Yanai (1 credit)
Dan Root (1 credit)