We are super happy to announce our latest exhibition here at No.1 Harbourside with artist Erik Freij.
Erik Freij is a Bristol based artist focused on print and design, with much of his current work depicting animals. Within each of his illustrative compositions he emphasises fun plus a little silliness, whatever the subject matter. His work often rewards the viewer with a keen eye for sub narrative imagery within both his narratively driven and non-narrative work.
Why Bristol?
Bristol for me feels like the perfect balance of city and village, a combination of low-key and bigger events, bigger spaces and larger spaces to find your home.
How was the pandemic for you – productive or a struggle for inspiration?
As a creative lucky enough to be placed under the furlough scheme the pandemic has treated me well. I continuously created new things every day. Deepened my understanding in things outside of illustration like carpentry, silversmithing, gardening and lots of other things.
What spurs you on / keeps you creating?
Whilst creativity has taken a backseat with the restrictions being lifted my social life has taken the reins for a bit. That being said, social interaction is the thing that inspires me the most.
Where are your best places in Bristol for checking out art?
You don’t have to go far and wide in Bristol to see art. It’s plastered across the walls and signs all over. Most cafes seem to have their own galleries but I recommend taking it to the streets.
If you could exhibit anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would like to exhibit on some large street-side walls, maybe in Budapest, Copenhagen or Berlin, those are my favourite places to visit so I think that would be great.
What’s next?
I’m not sure what comes next, I don’t want to limit myself to one form of creativity. I want to become multi disciplined, I might move to Sweden or Germany and broaden my skills, maybe industrial design or something?
Where else can people find out about you?
As it is right now the best place to see what I do is on my social media.
You can check out his Instagram here.
We love it all, the bright colours, the hidden humour, the nod to stuff we recognise. Come down and visit us to check it out. The exhibition will be up from now – 19 Sept 2021. All prints are available to buy. Please speak to a member of our bar team.