PAINT

the art of erika juran

"Untitled," mixed media on board.

why i paint

Juran creates layers of mixed media in her paintings, which developed out of an early love of printmaking and the creation of monotypes - processes which involve the layering of inks through a printing press. She uses gallons of black latex paint. She is inspired by African music, archeology, the unexplainable, and the mysterious. She also loves to do small-scale paintings and sketches. She thinks she got the art bug as a child from a family friend who was a master bronze sculptor, but it's probably from her quilter mom. She is a member of the Harrisburg Sketchers. She is passionate about connecting communities through the arts in Pennsylvania.

IG: @rikajuran

Why the hell do you use all that black in your painting
My neighbor asks across the fence.
I thumb my canvases, the oboes going slack, flutes elegantly wailing, the colors colors of elegance.
Of course the concert stops, the composer done, he wipes his hands upon a greasy rag of fire.
Replying flatly that he was only having fun, And who the hell are you, may I inquire?"
-"The Nocturne," Carl Bode

ART CV

Her work has been featured in solo and group shows throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. She was honored as the first annual juried winner of a solo show held by the Wilmington (DE) Arts Commission and has shown her work in group and solor shows in 7 counties across DE, MD, PA and WV. She holds a BFA with honors in Painting/Printmaking from Shepherd University. She continued her education at Temple University/Tyler School of Art, focusing on 19th century French and mystical art, and 1945- present international art. She is one of those people who went into art criticism after art school. She thinks we should bring back "salons" for an open exchange of art and opinions without defensiveness and anger. Also, hit her up if you want to talk about fin-de-siecle 19th or 20cy art. She is totally a geek about that. See Lecturing below.

I am happy to share my portfolio upon request. Contact me.

where's Erika?

Selected work

"Tsunami (detail)," mixed media, 6"x 6", Copyright Erika Juran- SOLD

"Ghost Cab 1 (detail)," mixed media, 6"x6". Copyright Erika Juran- SOLD

“Lilith, "Mixed media on board- SOLD
Lilith of the golden hair is known briefly in Jewish folklore as Adam’s first wife, who refused to be submissive to him. Her mythology begins in ancient texts, which round out the fatal aspects of her persona. She is part of a class of demons. The Hebrew “Lilit” is translated as “night hag.” Girls and women of past centuries were warned about mirrors- Lilith’s cave and her cadre of devils might escape through the mirror into our world. The strange words and symbols are ancient references to Lilith. This piece is in a private collection.

brooklyn art library sketchbook
collection-
a traveling collection of international arts on the small scale

art talks

I'm available to speak to community groups about visual art currently on display at our museums, or themed shows at non-profit or for-profit galleries in the Harrisburg Metro area.
My presentations encourage our community to visit and take advantage of our varied cultural offerings while siting the social,
economic, historic, and other environmental influences upon art.

"ARt with Heart": a culture and main TV interview

The intersection between spirit and the hand, the importance of an art gallery and art creation to the York community, and the special role of service to a higher purpose in one's life- all this was the topic of a WRCT interview focusing on the WHY of my art. This series is hosted by Carla Christopher.

Watch it, here.

Contact Me

let me immortalize your pet or person.
Commissions welcome!

"Frida"

"Casey and Daisy (detail)"

How do you like your pet or human immortalized? Watercolor or gouache painting, illustration, acrylic, pastel?
I welcome your portrait or illustration commissions. I get booked in the winter holidays so order by October!

Detail, "Meg and Baskerville," acrylic on board