Subtly Sublime: The Art of Eric Herrrmann

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he magical art of Eric Herrmann is bursting with bright and bold colors, fascinating narratives and a feeling of fun and adventurous psychedelia. Images of bright lights, motorcycles, hot rods, Americana iconography, gorgeously colored cannabis plants and backgrounds that look like paradise flood his work, evoking euphoric and intimate narratives. This Chicago-raised artist now travels and shows his amazing artwork all over the country, and hopes to inspire wider acceptance of cannabis appreciation through his artwork. CULTURE has been following this talented artist’s career for ages, and finally got a chance to pick his brain.

What initially peaked your interest in art and design?

I won my first art contest in 4th grade and never put down my crayons after that. I was that kid that was always drawing hot rods and bikes on my math books and getting in trouble. Art was the one thing I was always good at. After high school ended, and I attended Triton College of Fine Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, and moved to Arizona to complete my studies at Arizona State University. I have a BFA in Graphic Design with studies in painting and printing technology. I’ve owned several screen printing businesses, a product design firm and an advertising and marketing firm. Tiring of the business
grind, the business was sold and I began to paint full-time. For 25 years I have painted full-time, raised three great kids and am married to the love of my life, Suzanne.

Where or how did you learn your artistic skills, and what kind of role does cannabis play in your work?

I’m well-known in the motorsport and motorcycle world and have created artwork for many races, events and corporations. My art can be found in over 40 countries worldwide. With the increasing acceptance of cannabis I decided to research “pot art.” There has been nothing new since the ’70s when I began smoking the herb. Black light posters, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix . . . and I decided that new times need new art!

I wanted to create images that could be hung as fine art in contemporary homes—but not the same old “stoner art” of the past. As the acceptance of cannabis grows, so will the art. I hope that with my art, we can all spread the word and support the cannabis movement. While researching cannabis art, I discovered many of the manufacturers of products are based in Phoenix. Kind Tray, Perk Tech, Camelion Glass, Raw, Oil Slick and others have helped get me started with props for paintings and knowledge of products. I have exhibited this new line of art with several of these companies at cannabis cups, championships and AGE shows over the last few months.

What is your stance on the herb and its current growth in the U.S.?

My stance on herb is legalize it! I have been smoking pot for over 45 years. It works for me, both creatively and medically. Having raced motorcycles for many years I’ve acquired over 40 broken bones. As I age, cannabis has become more useful medically than I realized when I was young. I am an Arizona medical card holder and an advocate. I hope my art helps legalize what should have been legalized years ago.

www.EricHerrmannStudios.com