I received my BFA in Illustration and Entertainment Art from Cal State Fullerton, following the foundational teachings of the old masters and the gesture of traditional animation. Inspired by animals, fiction and my childhood, it is reflected in my paintings, creature designs, tattoo flash, sculpting, and special effects makeup. I have worked in many industries, from Disneyland, custom modular furniture and the Greater Los Angeles Zoo, to visual effects workshops, music video sets, and non-profit organizations. I love skeletons of all sorts, action figures, enjoying food, wildlife conservation, and traveling.
In 2007, I started commissioning watercolor animal portraits, establishing a line of ©Mad Maki Works sushi graphic tees, and met some very well respected figures in the creature business. My friend Lindsey toured me through my first creature shop, Weta Workshop, in beautiful New Zealand, which made me want to make creatures even more! I returned to LA and began assisting Steve Wang, Alec Gillis, and then contracting for Quantum FX and freelancing for Proteus FX. I am also a contributing writer for Indie Talent Magazine.
I had the opportunities to exhibit with Michael Goddard, the Irvine Fine Art Center, and Project Ethos. I believe in the important role that art and nature play in youth development. Being involved with non-profits like Wyland’s Clean Water Challenge, Robert Bateman’s Get-to-Know program, Shaun Livingston Foundation, and the Salvation Army makes it so satisfying to watch kids grow and offering them with those learning opportunities.
In 2009, I founded Sound.Art.Media, a Red Carpet mixed media art exhibition and concert production company. I love discovering new talent, bringing people together and sharing great things with the world! My mission is that Sound.Art.Media. will continue producing live art, music and literature events and bring forth bigger messages. I have had many influential teachers and hope to motivate and inspire young minds just as I have been inspired in life.
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EXHIBITIONS
Sound.Art.Media. Presents: “Dreams & Nightmares 2010″
A one night exclusive Red Carpet collaborative exhibition
Aqua Lounge, Beverly Hills
February 25, 2010
All Media 2008 : A Southern CA Regional Juried Exhibition
Irvine Fine Art Center, Irvine
www.ifac.edu
November 14, 2008-January 17, 2009
“Get a Cue Challenge” Pro/Celebrity Billiards Tournament
Shaun Livingston Foundation
The Yankee Doodle, Santa Monica
September 18, 2008
“Oh My Godard Gallery”
Myrtle, Monrovia
July 2008
“Stars Aligned”-presented by Project Ethos
Group exhibition and Red Carpet at the Avalon, Hollywood
February 2008
“Creatures: the Morphing Gallery” by Erika L. Chan
Cal State Fullerton, Exit Gallery
Winter 2006
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Articles:
Chico Debarge’s The 9’s Magazine (October 2008)
(Shaun Livingston Get-A-Cue Benefit/Artist Erika Chan pp. 30-35)
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Resume/CV:
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Animal Portraits by Erika Myspace
Erika Chan Facebook
www.Sound-Art-Media.com
© Copyright All Rights Reserved Erika L. Chan 2010