Mark Erickson is an Oakland, California based painter and Polaroid photographer. He works in a studio off the San

Francisco Bay, near the Oakland Port in California.

A quote by one of Mark Erickson's professors stated, "My paintings are intended to be additions to rather than

reflections upon 'life.'" Hassel Smith may have meant to push his students to continue in the long tradition

of putting paint on canvas, and to seek new images and experiences in whatever they chose to create.

The paintings and Polaroids that Mark Erickson produces are interpretations of this same abstract language refined

to a finished graphic ending. A mid career, disciplined artist, Erickson offers an approach to abstraction and imagery

in his work that have the essential elements of light and contrast. He takes this same attitude in the surface quality

of his Polaroids, mixing imagery, abstraction and his own specific techniques resulting in a one of a kind image.

Experimenting with effects of light, multiple techniques, casting shadows and playing with reflections and

color, Erickson captures a static energy in his works. His influences vary between the Abstract Expressionists, the early Pop

Artists to writers and poets of the same period. Of specific interest is the work of Charles Bukowski. Many of Mark's Polaroid

images in one way or another relate to Bukowski's writings along with working in the city, both seep into his paintings and

Polaroids. One of his favorite poems by Bukowski is 'A Poem is a City.' No explanations better than reading it for yourself.

Mark was born in Hollywood, California and studied art in California, Germany and Italy. He completed his art education

at the Academy of Art and the San Francisco Art Institute. Erickson has exhibited in New York, Los Angeles, San

Francisco and New Orleans. He has collectors in Germany, England, Mexico, Australia, France, Japan, Italy and across

the United States.

Mark's Polaroids and paintings can be viewed at www.markerickson.com