Erika Iris Simmons is a Princeton based experimental artist who works with strange, random things that have a mind of their own. She picks up old books, cassette tapes, film reels, playing cards, magazines, credit cards or just any other older materials to create fantastic portraits. Erika specializes in non-traditional media; she does not use any paints or pigments but chooses a material , composes it, and comes up with something really inspiring and creative.

Her series 'Ghost In The Machine' has received most of the appreciation. It uses cassette tapes and old film reels as the primary material. And amazingly, the tape art shown in Bruno Mars' Just The Way You Are is inspired by Erika's artwork. Scroll down to have a look at the video. Besides tape art, Erika's paper work is equally awesome and she is truly truly a talented artist.

It's our pleasure to have Erika with us. We are really excited to learn more about her artistic journey and incredible talent she posseses. Catch her interview below with the video and visuals of her creations:


Erika, let's start with a brief introduction of yours.


Sure - I'm an experimental artist. My work focuses on metaphors about memory and data. I use all kinds of materials, but the "ghost in the machine" series made from cassettes and film reels has been very popular.


What influences the artist within you?

I try to read a lot (or listen to audio-books) while I work. It helps to keep your perspective fresh. The world is full of surprises.


If you could make a master mix-tape of music that is inspiring you at the moment, what would it include?

Nine Inch Nails, Rasputina, Puscifer - finished with Nathan Milstein's Chaconne.


Erika, your creations are really awesome. You make great things with simple materials. Would you like to describe your thought process while creating such masterpieces?

Well, thanks! I love some projects, some could definitely use improvement. But I'm not shy about sharing things that aren't perfect or polished - it's all just an experiment. I like to honor the character of whatever medium I'm working with - be it paper or film or cassette. You can't force it to be something it's not. When you begin you have to imagine the transitions more than the exact lines or shapes. I still find the process mysterious myself - I try not to think about it, just do it.























































Let's talk about your 'Ghost in the machine' series. As much as I liked its concept, equally I liked the ideology behind it. Please put some light on it.

Absolutely. The idea comes from AI studies. I read about different metaphors and theories about how our intelligence might arise from individual cells working together. This is referred to as the mind/brain problem or "ghost in the machine." I imagined that the data on the cassette tapes represents our individual thoughts. Arranging that tape (the data) to form some image (like Jimi Hendrix's face) adds some meaning; the whole is now greater than the sum of its parts, but it's also an echo of the data making it up... I also think that when you look at a portrait like the Jimi Hendrix you can almost hear the music in your head, so your own data is responding to what you see. I love nested concepts like that.








































































I know it'd be hard to pick but we would love to know your most special creation out of your portfolio.

I don't know! I think the angel coming out of Mozart's Serenade No. 10 is my favorite. It's timeless.























Share the best compliment you've ever received for your work.

When I was just starting out - before I ever sold or showed my work - I emailed the artist who inspired me to create these pieces. He wrote me back with encouragement. Nothing can top that.















































Do you have any dream project?

I just started a dream project taking a vintage hand-held fishing net and using that as my medium. It just came in the mail two days ago... dying to get the free time to work on it! That's all I'm at liberty to say...



If you could peek inside the studio/toolbox of any designer/artist/craftsperson, whose would it be and why?

I would love to see Magritte's bookshelf.


What are on the top shelves of your inspiration library right now? This can be anything from blogs, books and magazines to vintage catalogues/manuals, etc.

Right now I'm reading _Incognito - the secret lives of the brain_by David Eagleman. And xkcd! Also vintage newspapers are very inspiring.


Many other artists would look up to you for inspiration. What message do you have for them?

Don't be afraid to take your time. Focus on making just one good piece the best it can be- all it takes is one to breakthrough. Don't listen to any advice. No one knows what potentials exist in you


And a final word for our readers?

I've said too much already... Thanks for your time!


Bruno Mars - Just The Way You're (video inspired by Erika's art)



Erika, thank you for the interview and sharing your artistic journey with us. It was a pleasure to have you and we wish you all the very best for your future projects.


Erika Simmons on Flickr.