Exploring the complexity and empowerment of emotions through the physical world of sculpture.

Erica was born 1966 in Cambridge, Massachusetts; she spent her youth in Seattle, Washington and since 1995 resides on Aquidneck Island in Rhode Island. She is the youngest of three in an extended family of artists. A lifelong athlete who was reluctant (or in denial!) of following in her parents footsteps, she found her way to her creativity and passion by airbrushing windsurf boards. From there, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sculpture at the University of Washington in Seattle. Erica has always had an interest in spirituality and psychology and is also a Certified Co-Active Life Coach. Her sculptures are an integration of these life interests by exploring and getting comfortable with human emotions through physical imagery. After 25 years of being ‘Mom’ she is now diving full time into her sculpture and has an art studio in Newport, RI.

ARTIST BIO

The subject matter of my sculptures revolves around my lifelong fascination and need to understand the complexity of my and our human emotions. Something at times so elusive, I find comfort in creating and assigning a physical object in which one might begin to unravel common life experiences and challenges through the visual and conceptual metaphors. It is very important to me that initially, the viewer is intrigued primarily by the quality of the craftsmanship as well as the beauty of the sculptural imagery. Upon closer inquiry and curiosity, it is there where my hope is to be carried away by the introspection of the subject into a more spiritual and intellectual reflection.

Ideas often begin with a psychological topic or personal experience and then deliberating on how to express this emotion into a physical image. As I work I will make minor adjustments to the composition depending on conceptual or structural challenges. The mediums and techniques I work with are always changing depending on what is needed to express the idea; although I often work with metal and wood. I love the challenge of problem solving how to build a sculpture while simultaneously maintaining the quality of craftsmanship and beauty. 

ABOUT MY SCULPTURE

CURRENT WORK

The Energy of Trust #1-2023
media: painted wood, fishing line, light dimensions: 12"h x 12"w x 1"d

The Energy of Trust #2-2023
media: painted wood, cardboard, light
dimensions: 12"h x 12"w x 1"d

Another Perspective 2019-2022
Mixed media
dimensions: 35"h x 29"w x 4"d

Getting Out of the Briar Patch-2022
media: wood, glass vials, paper, wire
Dimensions: 8.25"h x 35.75"w x 2"d

Treasures of Acceptance 2022-2023
media: metal,wood,aluminum,cork,felt
dimensions: 22"h x 67"w x 2"d

Bristol Art Museum Members Juried Biennial Exhibition-3rd Place Award Winner-Nov 2024

Commissioned Born to Rise logo as a sculpture
Born to Rise Women’s Story Festivals October 2021 & 2022

PAST WORK

  • "#4 FORM NOT FUNCTION" -1993 (iron wood, steel, nails, twine).

  • DETAIL: "#4 FORM NOT FUNCTION"

  • DETAIL: "#4 FORM NOT FUNCTION" Item

  • "#2 FORM NOT FUNCTION" - 1992 (IRON WOOD, PLASTIC, METAL, DIRT, SAND, TWINE, WOOD)

  • DETAIL: "#2 FORM NOT FUNCTION"

  • DETAIL: "#2 FORM NOT FUNCTION"

  • "#3 FORM NOT FUNCTION" - 1993 (IRON WOOD, STEEL, WIRE MESH)

  • DETAIL "#3 FORM NOT FUNCTION"

  • DETAIL: "#3 FORM NOT FUNCTION"

  • DETAIL: "#3 FORM NOT FUNCTION"

  • 1992- PASSAGE OF TIME (rocks, sand, wood, gingko leaves)

  • 1992- PASSAGE OF TIME (wood, sand, rocks, ginkgo leaves)

  • "CYCLES"- 1993- (WOOD, JARS, COAL, SEED PODS)

  • DETAIL: "CYCLES"

  • "ZOETROPE" -1990- COLLABORATION WITH JEFFREY CASPER- KINETIC INTERACTIVE SCULPTURE- (METAL, LEATHER BELT, FARM EQUIPMENT, PAPER) 1992 COCA (Center of Contemporary Art) AWARD WINNER, Seattle, WA

  • "BALANCING TRUST" - 1993- COLLABORATION WITH SUSAN WOLSBORN - (MIRROR, 2X4 WOOD, METAL, ROPE, VINYL)

  • DETAIL: "BALANCING TRUST"

  • PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL: Reflective Park in Seattle, WA, USA -1992 (dirt, concrete, marble, bronze, steel, water, plants) 10' high x 48' diameter

  • PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL, Reflective Park in Seattle, WA, USA -1992

  • 'ALL SYSTEMS GO?" 1993- commission for: Art To Sea Boating Parade-2nd Place award winner - (metal, wood, paint, hose, hardware)

  • DETAIL: Art to Sea- "ALL SYSTEMS GO?"

  • "INTIMACY #2" 1992- (bronze casting, copper, wax, blue mesh, plexiglass, wood)

  • "INTIMACY #3" - 1992- (bronze casting, copper, wax, wood)

  • "INTIMACY #1" - 1991 - (bronze casting, copper, plaster cloth, wax), Bellevue Art Museum show 1992

  • DETAIL: "INTIMACY #1" 1991

  • "SECRECY' - 1993 (WOOD, METAL JARS, MIXED MEDIA)

  • DETAIL: "SECRECY"

  • DETAIL: "SECRECY"

  • DETAIL: "SECRECY"

  • ASHES OF A GOOD IDEA- PERFORMANCE -1993

  • ASHES OF A GOOD IDEA- PERFORMANCE -1993

  • LIFE SCULPTURE STUDY- 1993- (clay)

  • LIFE SCULPTURE STUDY

  • "BALANCING" -1993. (wood, bronze castings, cable, plexiglass, water, steel)

  • DETAIL: "BALANCING"

  • DETAIL: "BALANCING"

CO-ACTIVE LIFE COACHING

WHO AM I AS A COACH? 

My passion as a Certified Co-Active Coach is to help you LOVE what makes you, YOU. 

Everything is a well source for compassion, growth, and freedom.

I discovered coaching through my own journey and instantly found incredible inspiration and empowerment by being coached and later by coaching others. I coach for the love of the process in helping others live a more fulfilling life with understanding for self and others. Although not a Buddhist, the Buddha is my inspiration.

PRIVATE 1:1 COACHING

Coaching is for people who want to live their life’s purpose, to discover or clarify what that is, and to stop the negative thought loops which lead to suffering and keep us blocked. Together we follow what’s on your mind and heart in the day, month, or time in your life to unblock the flow of life so you might live a life that is satisfying for you on your terms. Unapologetically, with courage and confidence. As your coach, I am much like a mirror. I listen, I reflect back to you, I share what I hear or see or feel. Together we discover other perspectives and options, unblock limiting beliefs, identify your unique strengths, and help you put actions to your ideas. You lead the way, and I support you to uncover, discover, and actualize what would make life easier and excitingly YOU.

Ceremonial one year recap celebration with a client

Testimonials

“Working with Erica has brought changes to both my personal and professional life I was not expecting. The focus and insight that Erica brings to her coaching is incredibly helpful when confronting obstacles that need to be addressed. Our work together has been difficult and rewarding. I am so grateful to have worked with Erica-I believe she has found her calling.” E.Y. USA

“I first came in touch with Erica’s coaching at a time in my life of great change and adversity in both my work and personally. I knew nothing about life coaching and historically, had never received guidance or council of any type before. Erica welcomed me into her sessions with such warmth and recognition. She taught me some brilliant, tangible skills on how to lead myself into more balance, self-awareness, direction, and healing. I loved our work together not only for the genuine dependable connection felt, but for the knowledge she provided me on how to direct and design my own path for success and self-assurance. Thank you, Erica!”  T.M. USA

love

YOU

be

YOU

“Co-Active Professional Coach Training is widely recognized as the most rigorous professional coach training and certification program in the industry. As the largest and most established professional life and executive coach training organization in the world, CTI has trained over 65,000 coaches, including employees in more than a third of the Fortune 100 companies.”

“CTI offers a gold standard of coach training, and the Co-Active model behind it is remarkably congruent with a vast body of research in positive psychology and coaching.” - DR. CAROL KAUFFMAN (FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF COACHING AND FACULTY OF HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL)

CONTACT

www.instagram.com/ericabuchanansculpture

STUDIO: Newport, Rhode Island 02840 USA