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

Hi Erika Parker, is there something you believe many others might not?
Artists are typically expected to have one specific style and this has always been so hard for me. I truly enjoy playing with different styles and mediums. I think it continues to promote an artists growth when they push themselves to explore a variety of styles and mediums. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I specialize in portrait art and book illustration. I actually began selling portraits at the early age of 16, initially working primarily in the medium of color pencil. Today, most of my work is focused in soft pastels, pastel pencils and watercolors. I just love working on illustration projects and creating beautiful pieces for books. Some of my Illustration projects include children’s books, middle school illustration and adult fiction cover art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m located in North Augusta, SC so I’m right in the middle, about 15 minutes from Augusta, GA and Aiken, SC. There are so many gorgeous murals popping up nearby. I actually created a large 8 ft x 12 ft equestrian mural for the city of Aiken, SC earlier this year. It’s located in The Alley in downtown Aiken. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the local spots off Lauren’s St and check out my mural. Right around the corner is the LOVE mural recently created by a fellow local artist. Make sure to tag #AikensMurals if you have a chance to visit. Over the river in Augusta, Ga there were several new murals completed in 2020. An amazing James Brown piece was just finished that’s a must see. It’s located on 9th and Broad St. There is also a James Brown statue in the center of downtown so make sure to snap a photo with The Godfather of Soul.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family has always been so supportive of my artistic abilities and nurtured that creative drive in me from a very early age. There are so many talented artists on both sides of my family, it seems to be part of our DNA. My grandfather, Jimmy Jay always took interest in my art. I remember walking through downtown Aiken, SC with him as a child, he was so proud to show off my talent to friends of his in shops along Laurens St and Park Ave. It boosted my confidence to stick with my passion and pursue art.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ErikaParkerRogersArt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikaparkerrogersart/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/erikaparkerrogers/

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