Name/Title
Erik Wilkensen - Still Life with Herring - Ida's Care HomeDescription
Eric grew up in Hull, England during the bombing raids of World War II. He remembers many sleepless nights in air raid shelters and considers himself lucky. "When you're a kid, it doesn't mean as much to you (the abhorrence of war) as is does now."
At the University of London, Eric studied geography. With the belated realization that he had chosen the wrong major -he had absolutely no interest in the field of geography, he decided to leave school and take an opportunity in London at Ideal Standard. Working in their advertising department opened up a whole new world to Eric. His job took him throughout Europe meeting with artistic people who designed international advertising campaigns. Eric also traveled to New York City frequently and it was there that he met his lifelong partner.
In 1972, prompted by his secondary talent as a chef, Eric moved to San Francisco where he and his friends bought a restaurant, "The Neon Chicken." Eric always enjoyed "a good lump of fish" (said in his perfectly British accent), and became familiar with all the delectable West Coast fishes. Perhaps that is why he was able to portray these herring with such fresh artistic style.
