Eric Louie Featured in the Vancouver Guardian
“A Day in the Life” with: Vancouver Painter Eric Louie
Eric Louie has always been an artist. From early childhood, he had an eye for form, which our parents encouraged, sending him to art lessons at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Growing up, I can remember being entertained by Eric’s cartoons and later, awed by his realistic renderings of his favourite band covers or movie characters. He made a life-sized drawing of the T1000 metal skeleton from Terminator that was awesome! It was no surprise when he decided to pursue a degree in fine art from the Alberta College of Art and Design. I’ve always been so proud of Eric. It takes a lot of courage to pursue art as a career. In our culture, it’s certainly not advertised as a practical avenue for making a living, but that never deterred Eric. He’s taken his gift and run with it. I think that the key to his success as an artist is his tireless work ethic. He’s always working on his craft, searching for growth and progression in his art. His work is constantly evolving while remaining unique and identifiable. The themes might recur, but no two paintings are the same. Eric’s paintings have a meditative quality. I can always get lost in the flowing organic shapes, shaded in such a way as to make the flat images have volume and structure, echoing the real while remaining abstract. They offer so much visual interest. Like staring at clouds in the sky, his forms stimulate the imagination of the viewer, conjuring up ideas, stories, and impressions. His ability to use colour is wonderful. Some works are so bold and playful, capturing the rainbow, while others are more restrained, creating moods and emotions in the viewer, warm like a cosmic womb, or a sombre rainy day. The edges of his forms are precise, and yet the brush strokes within offer softness, movement, and the human touch.
- Written by Robyn Louie, Eric’s little sister
At Herringer Kiss Gallery: Come To Life, Life to Come opening April 10th 2025
Waking In The Quiet Dawn Opening reception: June 5th,2025
My dog Gizmo at the studio!
Full house studio.
Black paintings are all about the drama circa 2021.
Artist with “Zamboni” 59”x94”, oil on canvas 2025
Studio wall May 2025
Waking In The Quiet Dawn June 5th-30th 2025.
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Which neighbourhood are you in?
I’ve had my studio at 1000 Parker Street in the Strathcona area of Vancouver for the past 13 years. The building has a lot of character, being over 100 years old, with many artists, sculptors and woodworkers.
What do you do?
I’m a full-time painter who exhibits artworks nationally and internationally, working with commercial art galleries and their wonderful owners and staff. I’m fortunate to meet and create art for clients’ private and corporate collections. My work ultimately finds its way into some really cool private and public spaces.
What are you currently working on?
I just completed a show for Bau Xi Gallery in Toronto titled: Waking In The Quiet Dawn. It represented many months of work exploring painting ideas centred around virtual spaces and escapism to some extent in their other worldly qualities. Currently, I’m working out some new ideas to develop some exciting artworks.
Where can we find your work?
My work is available through Bau Xi Gallery with locations in Toronto and Vancouver. You can also find my work at the Herringer Kiss Gallery in Calgary.
Written by: Emilea Semancik