Erika Sanada is a celebrated glass artist known for her unique and eerie ceramic sculptures that blend the beautiful with the disturbing. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Sanada’s artistic journey has been deeply influenced by her fascination with sci-fi and horror films, which she encountered during her teenage years. These early influences have significantly shaped her artistic style, characterized by bizarre creatures with extraneous body parts, such as multiple arms, legs, teeth, and ears.

Early Life and Education

Sanada’s childhood was marked by challenges and anxieties, which she later channeled into her art. She pursued her Bachelor of Arts in Tokyo, where she initially worked as a commercial illustrator and a makeup artist for film. Seeking to deepen her artistic practice, Sanada moved to California to obtain her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in sculpture. This transition marked a pivotal point in her career, allowing her to explore and refine her distinctive artistic voice.

Artistic Style and Themes

Sanada’s work is often described as “beautifully creepy,” a term that encapsulates the duality of her creations. Her sculptures feature soft-looking, white-eyed mammals and delicate winged companions that evoke both sweetness and a sense of unease. These creatures, often depicted with snarls, beaks, horns, and teeth, serve as a medium for Sanada to confront her inner anxieties and dark side. She cites HR Giger as a significant influence, alongside her love for sci-fi and horror genres.

Notable Exhibitions

Sanada’s work has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide. Some of her notable exhibitions include:

• “Dreamlike” at Haven Gallery (February 23 – March 31, 2019): This mini solo exhibition featured six new ceramic works that explored the artist’s anxieties through dream-inspired sculptures.
• Canton Museum of Art (2021): Sanada presented a solo exhibition that further solidified her reputation in the contemporary art scene.
• Fort Wayne Museum of Art in Indiana: Another significant venue where her work has been displayed.
• Arch Enemy Arts in Pennsylvania: Known for its focus on dark and surreal art, this gallery has also featured Sanada’s creations.
• BeinArt Gallery in Australia: Sanada’s work has been part of several exhibitions at this gallery, which specializes in surreal and fantastical art.
  
  

Awards and Recognition

Sanada has received several awards throughout her career, recognizing her unique contributions to contemporary art. Her work has been published in prestigious art magazines such as Hi-Fructose Magazine, Hey! Magazine, and Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.

Personal Reflections

Sanada’s art is deeply personal, reflecting her ongoing battle with anxiety and her troubled childhood. Through her sculptures, she creates a visual dialogue that resonates with viewers, inviting them to confront their own fears and anxieties. As she states, “Beautiful and disturbing are terms I hear when people talk about my work, and I love that these two terms are not often used together. Life is beautiful and disturbing.”

Conclusion

Erika Sanada’s work stands out in the contemporary art world for its unique blend of beauty and eeriness. Her sculptures not only showcase her technical prowess but also offer a profound exploration of the human psyche. Through her art, Sanada continues to captivate and challenge audiences, making her a significant figure in the realm of glass and ceramic sculpture.