We had the good fortune of connecting with Erika Guillory Page and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erika, do you have any interesting experiences or advice related to making friends as an adult?
Making new friends as an adult can be a bit intimidating at times, especially for that artist/introspective and introverted side of me. Thankfully, I learned from the best as a small child. During the many summers spent with my grandma, I was always amazed how she could make a new friend at just about every store we visited. Some would say she could make friends with a fence post. She would simply catch someone’s eye, give a friendly smile, and say hello. Within minutes they would be chatting away like life long buddies. Learning this has come in handy with my several relocations to new states and cities in my life. At first, taking the step to say hello feels a little uncomfortable, but I gently breathe through the fear, remember my grandma, and say “hi” with smile. The next steps become easier and I’m so glad I take them. I couldn’t get through life without my friends!

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
The heart and soul of my art work is storytelling. I begin each painting with words and then layer color and form over and over to tell the story visually. These are collected stories of intrigue, adversity, redemption, and love. My work speaks truth to my life experiences, while urging the viewers to look deeper and discover their own stories within – memories forgotten, hidden, or even denied. I aim to speak to the most elemental condition of humanity in my work – namely our need to connect. I’ve learned so many lessons of patience and persistence in becoming an artist. The process of learning how to paint my stories and be authentic in expresssion from the inside – out has been a process of immense healing for me. While I am grateful and proud for every sale and every exhibition, my moment of greatest gratitude was in the realization that I could also help others heal through their own creative journey. Some how this crazy path and all the dots are starting to connect as to the “why has all this happened?!?” I am excited to keep painting and creating beautiful work – and I am very excited to also help others find healing through their own creativity.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Well, it’s a sure thing that Atlanta has no shortage of fun things to do!! Being the arty person I am, I would definitely take my friend to the High Museum of Art and try to time it perfectly with one of their cool events like Friday Jazz. We would have to make a visit to The Krog Street Tunnel. I love the outdoors and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite places to visit. I’d probably also make sure to take my bestie to see the city from ferris wheel view at SkyView and hope to catch the fountain of rings show in Centennial Olympic Park. The choices for my friend to dine are limitless in the Atlanta area, but I’m sure we would have brunch at The Flying Biscuit Cafe. Before the week was over, I would not miss the legendary Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Center for Civil and Human Rights. My best friend would have to come back soon because there’s no way to cover all the things to do in Atlanta in just one week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to recognize my local art gallery, The Loft, Marietta, and managers Bonnie Reavis and Stokes O’Shields. The support and encouragement they give me is critical to my continued development as an artist. It is a joy to work with visionaries in the art community. Their positive attitude and commitment to their artists is extraordinary. I wish I could also name every friend and family member that supports and encourages me every day! There’s not enough room to list them all…. but thank you SO much!!

Website: https://erikaguillorypage.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erika_guillory_page/?hl=en

Image Credits
Erika Guillory Page Morgan Blake Beatton