Artist Portfolio Magazine’s 10 Art Competition

Kay Erickson – Long Beach, CA

I am a second generation photographer who used to watch my Mother hand color photographs. At age 7, I received my first camera, and went on to study at the University of Minnesota, where I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, Summa cum Laude, in photography; and subsequently a Master’s degree from Mankato State University.

My work has been exhibited in various cities throughout Europe, including Amsterdam, and Stockholm; and my images have been licensed worldwide. I have also exhibited my work locally in Southern California in the Long Beach, East Village artist’s community. I was awarded a Mayoral Proclamation from the Major of Santa Monica, California for my work as an artist in residence with the Santa Monica/Malibu School District, teaching math standards through the art of photography.

Through my travels, I am able to capture images of the people in local communities around the world in their cultural surroundings. Through these images, I hope to convey the humanity that we all share, an in the process, hopefully eliminate some of the present stereotypes that are contributing to worldwide unrest.

I am currently working an a project with the Ojibwe people to record and archive legends, stories, ceremonies, healing herbs; and current issues that are affecting the Native People today.