A Deep Conversation With Erin Owen At Positive Space

Erin Owen is an intersectional environmentalist, sculptor, and printmaker currently based out of Brooklyn, New York. Owen graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Oklahoma State University in December, 2023. Within their practice, Owen explores the world through the lens of play and naivety. They often contemplate the challenges of living in a late-stage capitalistic society and how the natural world is impacted as the consequence. Owen was named the 2023 Outstanding Senior at Oklahoma State University and received the 2024 Momentum Grant from Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition. They have exhibited in many states across the US, such as Maryland, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Washington. Owen has completed internships at Universal Limited Art Editions in New York and at Zygote Press in Ohio, and is currently making work at the Lower East Side Print Shop in New York City.ARTIST STATEMENTInspired by play and wonder, Erin Owen’s “Swinging Out” series invites viewers to connect back to a moment of shared humanity. Through a combination of woodcut printmaking, sculpture, and community participation, they have created an immersive exhibition that invites viewers to reflect on their own memories of childhood play while contemplating the diversity and beauty of queer life.Throughout this body of work, Owen utilized recycled wood to create a wide range of relief prints, as well as a functional swingset that acts as the reflecting space for the exhibition. This choice of material is deeply personal; as a child, they spent countless hours in their father's woodshop, developing a lifelong fondness for the tactile nature of wood. Now, Owen views this medium as a metaphor for the universal components that make up our shared humanity, as well as the unique qualities that set us apart. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible with wood, Owen set on a mission to mirror the vast spectrum of the queer identity as well as make a nod to our innate connectedness.The imagery of the swing set is a recurring image in Owen’s work, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder. They hope viewers recall the joy and freedom of their own childhood play, and in doing so, connect with the queer community on a fundamental level. The swing also serves as a powerful symbol of the queer experience, representing the search for balance and acceptance that many face. The abstract, camouflage-like textures nod to the participants' mid-southern upbringing; people who grew up in Oklahoma often feel compelled to hide their true selves, much like camouflage blends into its surroundings. Owen's use of this motif is a poignant commentary on that experience.Owen’s ultimate goal is to foster greater understanding between individuals from all walks of life, and to inspire others to approach complex issues with the open-minded curiosity of childhood, rather than the divisiveness that often characterizes adult discourse. Owen believes that by embracing our shared humanity, we can create a more just and joyful world for all.www.erinowen.artwww.linkedin.com/erinlowen