ARTIST STATEMENT

In my artistic practice, I navigate the depths of human experience through the intricate interplay of form, content, and materiality. Blending traditional glassblowing techniques with elements of mixed and digital media, I craft narratives that probe the complexities of identity and relationships.

Each creation serves as a vessel for exploration, inviting viewers to contemplate the nuances of human connection and the fluidity of self-expression. Whether exploring themes of confinement and emptiness or celebrating the beauty of diversity and acceptance, my work seeks to provoke introspection and dialogue.

Through meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful composition, I strive to create pieces that resonate on both a visceral and intellectual level. By imbuing each sculpture with layers of meaning and symbolism, I aim to evoke emotions and invite questions about the nature of existence and the human condition.

My exploration of gender, sexuality, and personal identity challenges conventional norms, inviting viewers to reconsider their perceptions and embrace the rich tapestry of human experience. Each sculpture becomes a mirror, reflecting back the multiplicity of our identities and the myriad ways in which we navigate the world around us.

Ultimately, my practice is driven by a desire to foster connection and understanding, to transcend boundaries and spark conversations. Whether through the delicate curves of a blown glass vessel or the bold lines of a sculpted form, I aspire to create art that speaks to the universal truths of the human spirit and encourages  us all to explore the boundless possibilities of self-discovery and expression.

ARTIST BIO

Erin Zerbe is an interdisciplinary artist working in a variety of media including animation, photography, video, sculpture, and illustration. In January of 2024 she began working in glass. This new medium has provided a cathartic outlet to explore her grief post-divorce and heal from narcissistic abuse. Working with glass has reignited her creative practice and informed the underlying themes of her work.  Zerbe constructs immersive narratives that navigate intricate emotional landscapes, tackling themes of grief, loss, trauma, and self-worth with nuanced sensitivity. Each piece becomes a poignant reflection on the complexities of the human condition, inviting viewers to engage in introspection and empathy.

Zerbe's work has been widely exhibited both nationally and internationally, including notable venues such as the Dublin Biennial, Va MOCA, and Art|Basel Miami. She has exhibited alongside artists including Yoko Ono, Shirin Neshat, and Carrie Mae Weems.

Zerbe earned her BFA in Kinetic Imaging at Virginia Commonwealth University and her MFA in Photographic and Electronic Media at the Maryland Institute College of Art. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Digital Design and New Media at Pierce College in Lakewood, Washington. Her glass work is created in Seattle Washington, at Pratt Fine Arts Studio and Seattle Glassblowing Studio.