We recently connected with Erika Pifher and have shared our conversation below.
Erika, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
The first time I knew that I wanted to become an artist, it felt like an awakening. Having been an art teacher, I was familiar with technique, theory, and the creative process, but there was a moment when I began to see art through a different lens—when it stopped being just something that I taught and became a calling.
While observing my students work— their raw expressions of creativity—made me realize I had more to give, not just to teach, but to create.
Teaching others how to bring their ideas to life is powerful, but the first time I realized that my ideas demanded their own space and expression, was transformative. There was a shift, where the energy I gave to teaching needed to be redirected into my own artistic journey.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Erika Pifher, an artist living in coastal North Carolina. I’ve spent the past 25 years teaching elementary art while painting on the side. My background includes a BFA and an MA in Art Education, so art has always been a huge part of my life.
When I paint, I try to express my love for nature by blending reality and imagination on the canvas. I use vibrant colors, interesting textures, and little hidden details to invite people to explore the beauty and complexity of the natural world in a new way. There’s always something to discover when you take a closer look, and that’s what I want to bring out in my work.
Each piece is a celebration of nature’s beauty—whether it’s the colors of the sky or the texture of a landscape. I hope when people look at my art, they feel that sense of wonder and connection that I do. For me, it’s about reminding people of the magic that exists in even the smallest parts of the world around us. I want my work to start a conversation between the viewer and the canvas, inspiring them to appreciate all the intricate details that make nature so incredible.
The main focus of my practice is to create original artwork, with each piece designed to bring a sense of brightness and joy into the viewer’s life. My goal is to create art that lifts people up and makes them feel a little more connected to the beauty around them. I work with vibrant colors and playful details to capture the energy of the natural world in a way that feels joyful and alive. It’s not just about making art, it’s about creating something meaningful that resonates with the person who will live with it.
What sets me apart is my focus on the small, surprising details that often go unnoticed in nature. I love to bring those hidden elements to life on the canvas, so people feel like they’re discovering something new every time they look. My work is also deeply rooted in my love for the natural world, and I think that connection comes through in a way that’s unique and personal. It’s all about creating art that invites people to experience the beauty and magic of nature in their own way.
What I’m most proud of is the way my art makes people feel. Hearing that my work brings joy or light into someone’s life is what keeps me creating. My goal has always been to create pieces that spark happiness and make people pause for a moment to appreciate the beauty around them. Knowing that my art can have that impact is really rewarding.
What I want people to know about my work is that it’s all about positivity and connection. Each piece I create is filled with vibrant colors and joyful energy because that’s the way I see the world. I want to bring that brightness to others. My work is for people who want to surround themselves with art that makes them feel good, whether it’s through the playful details or the uplifting themes.
As for my brand, it’s really just an extension of who I am as an artist—I believe in creating things that spread light and positivity. I want my followers and clients to know that when they invest in my work, they’re getting something that’s not only beautiful but also full of intention and joy.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is seeing how my work can bring joy to others. Knowing that something I’ve created can make someone smile or feel a little lighter is an incredible feeling. Art has such a powerful way of connecting people, and when someone tells me that my painting brightened their day or helped them see the beauty in something they hadn’t noticed before, it reminds me why I love doing this.
Another rewarding aspect is the freedom to express myself fully and create something that’s truly my own. There’s a special kind of magic in starting with a blank canvas and turning it into something that feels joyful, bright, and full of life. It’s that sense of possibility, combined with the positive impact it can have on others, that makes being an artist so fulfilling for me.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to learn as an artist is knowing when a painting is finished. In the beginning, I would often keep adding details, tweaking colors, and layering textures—afraid to stop because I thought it could always be “better.” But over time, I realized that there’s a point where a painting reaches its full potential, and continuing beyond that can actually take away from its energy and freshness.
I remember one piece in particular. It was a vibrant landscape with lots of color and movement, and I kept coming back to it, thinking it needed just a little more here and there. But after a while, I realized I was losing the spontaneity that made it special in the first place. I had to step back and trust that the painting was finished. That moment taught me that art doesn’t need to be perfect—it needs to feel right. Knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing how to start.
Now, I trust my instincts more. If a painting brings the sense of joy or lightness I aim for, I know it’s done. It’s about finding that balance where the piece feels alive without overworking it. That’s a lesson I think all artists learn at some point, and it’s been crucial in helping me create more confidently.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erikapifherart.com
- Instagram: @erikapifherart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erikapifher
Image Credits
Erika Pifher