eryca green
Hello Eryca, Thanks for the coffee, I love the cunty mug!
You are so very welcome. The cunty mug is from Bella Freud and makes me smile every day.
HOW ARE YOU FEELING THIS MORNING?
I feel great! Very happy to have you here.
There were so many moving parts happening when you bought your apartment,
What does the palazzo mean to you?
Oh gosh, yes—it was quite a time in my life. I still can’t believe I made it through. I was dealing with a relationship breakdown, cancer, and a mental health crisis with one of my sons. The Palazzo is my hard-won haven. It cocoons me. I feel surrounded by beauty and peace, yet I can be at a movie, a cafe, or the bookshop within moments. It’s perfect for me right now. I am so grateful.
What influences your creative practices?
Like most creatives, I am influenced by so many things—from nature and light, to people and emotions. Travel is an amazing reset if you are feeling creatively low. I am lucky enough to be going to Italy soon, and I know that I will be inspired daily.
You mentioned that your self-portraits have been a way of processing what you were going through— can you tell me more about that?
Yes. I found after the operation (double mastectomy), I couldn’t look directly in the mirror. I found the bandages and the blood very confronting, and whilst I did not regret my decision to do it this way, I was still afraid of what I might see. I’ve always used photography to grapple with situations in a visual way - aging, aloneness, sense of place - so it was a reflex action to photograph my way through recovery. I began the day after the operation, and took a photo a day for the first month, then a photo a week for a couple of months. I didn’t download any of the shots for the first month, so by the time I saw them on a big screen, I was used to the idea.
What are you reading right now?
I have just finished Our Evenings by Alan Hollingsworth, which I loved. I think I’m going to read This is Happiness by Niall Williams next.
I was admiring your instagram and all the images of your palazzo, it is so inspiring to see how it is styled differently in a lot of the photos. I feel we often think once things are hung up or placed that’s where they should stay. Does being part of Smith Street Bazaar inspire you to have things ever-changing?
Ha! Yes! It has in fact changed quite a bit even just since you were here due to the arrival of a new artwork from a friend. My living environment has always changed regularly. Not major changes, but a shifting of the focus, or a difference in colour. It is very reflective of my mood at the time. Smith Street Bazaar has been such an integral part of my life for over a decade, and so has had an affect on many aspects of my living space. Eddy, my ex partner, has a knowledge that is so immense and far reaching. Through his eyes my perspective has changed over the years, and I appreciate design in a different and I think more informed way. Through my eyes, he has learned to be less afraid of colour, to take visual risks, and to be a teeny bit more sentimental about objects. Having the shop has taught me that there is ALWAYS more stuff. You do not need to own it all. You can appreciate it, desire it even, but it doesn’t all have to live with you.
Do you remember the first piece of art you bought?
I do. It was a screen print done in the pop art style by an artist called David Wales. I was in my early 20’s and it excited me. He was wild and interesting and I wanted a part of that. It now lives with one of my sons.
There is a collection of memories spread through your home. From hand written notes to, paintings by your family & friends as well as your own incredible work. Everything seems to tell a story.
Narrative is probably the most important aspect of my life I think. Many of the art works I have are by good friends, which means there is always a lovely back story. My own work is narrative driven.
I’m a huge lover of books and stories of all kinds. I love both the written word and evocative imagery. I am also very sentimental, so when these things come from friends, there is a particular poignancy.
What is the meaning of nostalgia for you?
What and interesting question. I love the word itself - it is so romantic. For me nostalgia represents that exquisite and delicate combination of happiness and sadness, where memories are evoked by a smell or a postcard or a dream.
How does fashion play a part in your daily life?
Oh it is such a huge part of my life. Not in a seasonal, status or trend driven way, but in a love of fabrics, designs and beauty. Fashion is such a wonderful way to express yourself creatively. I have always loved fashion, but learned from an early age how to express this love on a budget. My outfits are also narrative driven, and a way for me to play out or change a mood.
What does the perfect evening for Eryca Green look like?
I am embarrassed to say, that it is at home with a book or a British TV series. Of course I do also love to be with a group of friends for a movie or steak night at the pub.
How important is the community you surround yourself with?
Incredibly. I live alone (which I love), but this means my community is essential for my sense of safety and belonging. I love the Melbourne art, design and fashion community as well - it keeps my brain from atrophying and inspires me.
What would you tell your younger self?
Do NOT keep putting yourself down — it's counterproductive and unattractive. (By 'younger self,' do you mean, like, yesterday?!)
