Meet Aerica Raven Van Dorn | Artist: muralist, illustrator, general do’er

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aerica Raven Van Dorn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aerica Raven, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I try to consider risks more as challenges and opportunities for growth. There’s a certain amount of risk in pretty much every aspect of a business: What if I fail? What if I can’t make the client happy? What if I can’t finish on time? But those fears are just noise. I know I will be better than those fears because I can manage my time, prioritize the client’s needs, and listen to my instincts. Again and again, experience has shown me that the only way to grow is to take risks. So I take on that huge crazy project, I try that new technique, and I never back down from a challenge. By pushing myself out of my own lil’ comfort zone, I continue to make so many wonderful connections and grow in my creative practice.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I weave stories of growth, change, and wonder using striking visuals of animals, plants, and nature’s extraordinary patterns. In the last few years, I have used my experience as a muralist and installation artist to create what I call “light dynamic paintings”. These ink paintings are designed to react under color changing lights, and reveal different images based on the lighting. Between the meticulous brushstrokes and intentional lighting design, the visual experience of these works is truly breathtaking. These complex artworks have definitely been the most challenging pieces of my career–and I absolutely love them. My creative path has been both arduous and inevitable. As soon as I could hold a crayon, I started drawing and never stopped. I did not come from a wealthy home, or have any super neat family connections for getting into the industry. Instead, I was given a lot of tenacity and ferocious curiosity. With those tools and the support of my loved ones, I have built my career from the ground up. Along the way, I have learned to take chances, value a hard day’s work, and give back when I can. My path has taught me to practice hard and value quality over a paycheck. I think it’s because of how I got to where I am now that I continue to succeed.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, obviously, we’re heading to the High Museum of Art. The next day we’ll spend time at the Georgia Aquarium, because who isn’t absolutely hypnotized by all those beautiful creatures? And not that downtown Atlanta isn’t cool, but I would be so sad if we didn’t spend a few days exploring the parks and trails nearby. Finish the evenings off with a wine bar visit or just a bottle at home, and I’d say we just had a spectacular week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh, gosh, can I just shoutout to everyone? Naturally, my Mom and Grandparents, who have always supported whatever wacky idea I’ve had. Rachel Downs really took me under her wing and got me getting messy with a paintbrush. Illustrator Michael Kline taught me to listen to my inner voice, no matter how weird and funky she might be. My college professor, Barry Badget, showed me how to think about art and what it can do. Steve Kopelman of Seismique, who trusted my vision. Muralist Leigh Watson took a chance on me when I first moved to Austin–we continue to make amazing murals together. And of course, my partner, my collaborator, and my love, Steven, for always being there for me.

Website: https://www.aerica-raven.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aerica.raven/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Qt9mHOG15tRXUuVEH9IuQ

Other: https://www.patreon.com/aerica_raven