ERIK JACKSON
Erik Jackson’s work uses elements of retro and futuristic design, with a foundation that draws symbolism from corporate culture and its products. His work invites us by stimulating our minds with dizzying excitement, while serving as a commentary for commercial products, advertisements and roadsigns that have become our natural habitat.
Instagram: @bug_robot
Website: bugrobot.net
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ARTIST Q&A
Born: Hopkinton
Currently lives: Boston
Title of artwork:World 1
What’s it about?At its core, it’s satire based on the capitalistic nature that we’re forced into to survive; made evident by the barcode and other features to appear as a “product”. We know that a monetized society has been a tremendous step to advancing civilization, but has long showed its diminishing returns and irrefutable damage it has caused to people’s lives and the earth itself. Money has no morals or empathy alone. It’s only controlled by the laws we enact, and often that isn’t a concern by those in power.
Nevertheless, capitalism is so ubiquitous, it has become a fast river current nearly impossible to fight against. So, we may as well flow down that river, but it’s time we find something better.
Even though I use these symbols as a message, like barcodes and process control patches we find on groceries, I’ve been fascinated with them from a very young age. I also often incorporate the circular, sewed-on “looperqal” patterns found on quilts, with a retro feel, harking back to the days of arcades and rollerskating rinks in the 70’s and 80’s. The Bug Robots find a home here.
Where else can we find your work? On someone that happens to be wearing it, and my Instagram accounts at @bug_robot and @exactspace.
Where is your favorite public art piece in the area?David Teng Olsen’s mural “Evo” over at 395 Western Ave in Brighton. I’ve must have taken a thousand photos of it by now. Also, the painted house on 273 Western Ave in Allston by Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn. All their work is like a delicious treat to my eyes.
Who is your favorite Boston-area artist to follow? I Sam Fish at his EXIT galleries.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off? Outside listening to my headphones, window shopping.
What was your top song for 2021? “Pacific” by Ventifacts.
Favorite food spot in in Allston, Brighton or the surrounding area? La Befana Pizzeria. Their veggie pizza is to die for.
What have you learned about your creative practice in recent years?I’ve learned to stay away from forcing myself to work on something I don’t feel like working on. The energy comes from the excitement of my ideas. Seeing those ideas come to life is ultimately so rewarding. To get that energy, you need to have moments. Experiences. You can’t stay in your room and expect to be inspired.
What is a piece of advice you would give to your past self as a young artist? Come up with a process with simple ingredients, and experiment with that over and over, instead of being overly tedious with one piece that never gets finished.
What is your dream project to work on?I want to put parts of a flat design in layered epoxy to create a 3D look. Maybe include lights, like LEDs.
