ErikNelsonArt

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I do a fair amount of symbolism. I enjoy attempting to make a statement to challenge viewers. For most of these pieces, I've made notes to reflect as much information about my line of thought as possible.

These are a small subset of my collections. Check back for changes, rotations and additions.

	(Tien Tse Hoa) 20 x 28 in., Oil on Canvas This is clearly the most popular and the most published painting I've done. The composition of this painting has been copied by every advertiser in the world practically. This is also the most clearly symbolic a piece as I've done. The symbolism in this portrait attempts to connect the viewer with the emotional feeling of a woman trying to support a family living in another country. The portrait of a woman named Tien Tse Hoa, is set at an oblique angle and strong, complimentary colors are employed to compete for a small amount of space, which intends to create a feeling of constraint and conflict in the viewer. Her apparent strength competes with her apparent captivity, while the entire time, the window provides an escape that she refuses to use. I've attempted to relate her determination in her gaze, while the symbolism of the angel is a representation of the label placed upon her by her family, irrespective of her true feelings, which she hides.

	Woman with a Rice Bowl 5.5 x 11 in. Oil on Canvas This painting started as a study of textiles. I especially wantetd to paint the silk pillows. As I was working on this painting, I was struck by the fact that someone I knew was virtually starving herself, not just physically, but mentally. She was reasonably wealthy, but possession of money was so important to her, that she could surround herself in luxury and was starving at the same time. The symbols on the large red pillow are Chinese symbols for good luck.

	The Red Ball 5.5 x 10 in. Oil on Canvas This painting was an idea of my wife, Noi, who is the cover on my "portraits" page. She asked for a painting that showed time locked in one place... like a ball in the air. You can't tell if it's been dropped, thrown, bouncing or what... it's just there, leaving the viewer to fill in lots of information mentally. I painted in certain clues to tell the viewer what I believe it's doing. What do you think?

Killing Field

12 x 28 in., Oil on Canvas

This work really seemed to require abstract focus. The symbolism in this work is my attempt to expound on the emptiness and coldness of the landscape, which is made more so by the pockmarked snow where the game once laid dead.

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