Erik Winkowski | Thoughtful Threads

Throughout his childhood, Louisiana-based artist Erik Winkowski kept a sketchbook filled with drawings, reflecting an early love of creative expression. It was during art school, however, that a pivotal moment changed his course — an animation class where, as he describes, "suddenly, I was able to make my drawings come to life — it was a magical experience, and I was hooked."

Today, Erik is best known for his multi-media technique, in which he treats video like collage, using a combination of found footage, paper cut-outs, drawing and photography. He observes that the pursuit of technical mastery and the pressure to produce original work can often diminish the joy of creation, but this unique style allows a return to the playful experimentation of childhood.

During an early career in commercial motion graphics, Erik discovered a passion for painting in his free time, enjoying the freedom of expression. “My creative output during that time was split between slick, digital work and spontaneous, painterly work.” In 2018 he married the two and used Instagram as his “video sketchbook,” creating vivid and spirited daily animations that brought his painted work into the digital realm.

“I decided to just focus on having fun again,” he explains, “I gave myself the freedom to play with colours and explore weird and new ways of animating. I began making my most original art yet.”. The combination of parenting a playful four-year-old and daily walks through his hometown of New Orleans helps to inspire his practice. “I approach my walks the way a collage artist flips through an old magazine — looking for intriguing material to work with.” Whether it’s the texture of tree bark or cracks in the road, Erik will think about the way he can work with what he encounters, often shooting footage on his phone that can be used in an animation later. “In this way, my walks have become collaborative play sessions with my surroundings.”

For TOAST, Erik has created an original video composed of a series of abstract animations. The film, Thoughtful Threads, incorporates shapes, patterns and colours inspired by elements found in nature and the considered materials we use. “TOAST’s values of simplicity, mindfulness and craftsmanship resonated with me, and I wanted them to be reflected in the video.” To create a sense of tactility, he has used art tools with natural texture, such as paint and stamps. A further layer has been added with music that weaves together classical acoustic instruments with the found sounds of rushing water, birdsong and spring meadows, evoking a sense of awe at being in nature.

“The lucky ones find their way back to the spontaneity of their childhood,” muses Erik. This reconnection not only informs his approach to art but also his outlook on life, as he maintains a sense of curiosity and imagination.

Words by Sophie Walsh.