ISOLATION CAPTURED: Tamworth-based artist Erika Sorby’s self portraits were a creative response to pandemic lockdown. (photo: supplied)
A TAMWORTH-BASED visual artist will use pandemic isolation as a theme for a unique home-based artist-in-residency initiative created by New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM), made possible by a micro grant from Arts North West.
“We were particularly interested in how artists have been creative during this time of lockdown and the experience of being in, and transitioning out of, isolation,” Belinda Hungerford, NERAM’s manager, exhibitions and curatorial, said.
“Artist Erika Sorby was the worthy recipient and she has been dealing with isolation by focusing on self portraiture.” Belinda Hungerford
An emerging artist with a double degree in secondary teaching and fine art, Erika is originally from Newcastle. She practices art around her teaching commitments and will begin her five-week ‘residency at home’ in July.
“During the residency Erika will continue to explore self portraiture and use the incredible portraits in NERAM’s collections for inspiration and experimentation,” Belinda said.
“Erika will share with us her progress through weekly blog posts and present a talk at NERAM at the conclusion of the residency. We’re really looking forward to seeing what she creates!”
NERAM recently reopened to the public, with COVID-19 visitation measures in place. The Arts North West micro grant will assist the gallery in its ongoing mission to support and promote local artists.
Follow Erica’s progress during the residency on NERAM’s website and social media: www.neram.com.au; Facebook @neram.art; Instagram: @neramuseum and follow Erika via her Instagram handle: @esorbyartist
Erika Sorby’s Self Portrait with Shower Curtain