Interview
Erika Beck
Erika Beck was born in Zagreb, the, capital of Croatia and there Ishe attended primary school followed by a very special girls high school Sesta Zenska Gornjogradske Gimnazije, which was established way back in the 17th century. It was during her final school years that she was fortunate to be invited by the artist Anatol Sergejev to join him in his studio and work with him in the preparation and progress of his work, which included also the restoration of paintings from much earlier periods. This gave Erika a passion to make art and painting a central theme of her life.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was born in Zagreb, Croatia where I attended high school. Art stood out as one of my favourite subjects during my school years, and I was fortunate to receive extra tuition from Anatol Sergejev, an artist originally from Ukraine who later settled in Zagreb. After taking paid art lessons for some time, Sergejev extended an invitation for me to assist him with other students in his studio and to continue learning without payment. I saw this as a sign that he valued both my artistic work and my conduct as a young artist. After living in Europe, most of my live has been in Australia, am a Fellow of the Royal Art Society of New South Wales and I see myself as an Australian artist. It's hard to name a single influence. I was introduced to art through books and local paintings. I often went to the Zagreb National Museum of Modern Art near my school and home. That early interest remains with me.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“From art student to art tutor and artist, my priority has always been creating works of beauty which could encourage a positive response from onlookers. I interpret subjects in ways that highlight form and colour, guided by my own instincts, inclinations and painterly objectives.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“Remote landscape painting for me is both an organized adventure and a solitary pursuit. Sometimes, I have joined groups of artists to share creative experiences in extraordinary, hard-to-reach places. In Australia, this might involve seeking permission from Aboriginal people to enter their land and camp there. Many Aboriginal artists are renowned for creating stunning, distinctive artworks that are sought after worldwide. Other days are spent at home, with creativity sparked spontaneously—perhaps after a couple of cups of coffee. Often, the process starts by reviewing a half-finished piece that needs completion or, occasionally, substantial overpainting, which is sometimes regretted afterwards. ”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“Over recent years, my artistic attention has turned increasingly towards the unique and diverse landscapes of Australia. This continent, with its wide-ranging environments, offers endless inspiration for my creative practice. Guided by the desire to convey the distinctive atmosphere found across the Australian terrain, I have adopted an expressive, gestural approach in my work. My paintings are characterised by visible brushwork and a rich, vibrant palette, designed to evoke the mood and energy of each scene. Through careful selection and application of colour, I strive to capture the essence of Australia’s varied vistas— whether it be the sun-drenched bushland, rugged coastlines, or tranquil interior. The interplay of form, colour, and gesture is central to my approach, inviting viewers to experience the landscape in a way that is both immediate and evocative. In the past I followed realism, lyrical abstraction, hard edge and sometime pure abstraction, but always with a focus on stimulating colour luring the onlooker deeper into the work. ”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I'm a look-and-paint artist, focusing on landscapes by sketching on-site with pencil, ink, watercolour, later first sketching on canvas followed by painting with acrylics. For remote areas, I use acrylics on solid watercolour painting plain air on paper for portability. I paint flowers and still lifes using watercolour on paper or gouache on precoloured cardboard, often with dark backgrounds starting with a lightly coloured sketch. Having been a founder member of the New South Wales Miniature Art Society I was for a time deeply involved in creating and exhibiting miniature art works mainly using watercolour or drawing on paper. ”
What does your art mean to you?
“Each painting I create is a unique expression of myself, reflecting my essential need to articulate individuality through my work. Art—both my own and in general—is central to my life, shaping not only my creativity and activity but also my social connections. Preparing for a solo exhibition or submitting paintings to curated and competitive shows presents both challenges and satisfaction, especially when a piece earns special recognition. Over thirty years as an art tutor at Ku-ring-gai Art Centre and other schools, I prioritised nurturing each student's creative potential. My teaching philosophy was rooted in acknowledging every participant as an artist, striving to inspire and cultivate their distinct artistic spirit. I dedicated myself to helping people explore and express their creativity, creating an environment where originality and personal expression were emphasised throughout every lesson.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“Living in southern France allowed me to witness Picasso in action, making me a lifelong admirer. Matisse, Chagall, van Gogh, Kokoschka and Manfred Henninger—whom I met personally—are also among my favourites. Jackson Pollock’s ‘Blue Poles’ stands out for its complexity and beauty; seeing it at the National Gallery in Canberra always inspires me. Gestural abstract art reflects daily creativity and spontaneity—qualities embodied perfectly by ‘Blue Poles’, which evolved through the process of painting rather than careful planning.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Right now, I’m preparing for my 22nd solo exhibition in Sydney at the Upstairs Gallery of the Bathers’ Pavilion on Balmoral Beach, titled ‘Land Down Under – A Celebration of Australian Landscapes.’ This show honours many years of finding artistic inspiration throughout Australia. Looking ahead, I am organizing individual follow-up exhibitions focused on Abstract, Still life, and Figurative paintings. My most recent solo exhibitions focused essentially on Australian landscape paintings. Still lifes, florals and abstracts were usually shown in curated group exhibitions.”
Website: www.erikabeck-artist.com
Instagram: @erika.beck.art
