Gardening for the Soul

Fabriano paper, Japanese book cloth, Hand tinted etchings, Charbonell ink letterpress, Shizen Jaipur end papers, 8.25 x 10.375 x 1.125, 20242026, $3200

My involvement with the James and Janie Washington Foundation in various capacities provided me the opportunity to enjoy and study the plants there. This inspired me to document 16 of them in a 22 page hand bound book. Closed edition of 20. With financial support from Artist Trust and 4Culture.

My artistic identity has evolved through local history, biology and medical illustration, residing abroad, involvement with diverse ethnic communities, and by exploration of various media and techniques.

My work is sometimes historically informed, site-specific, includes social commentary; using fiber-art, ceramics, fabric, book arts and photo assemblages. I have created jewelry from beads, found objects and metal; handmade books from discarded materials, unfinished stained glass; and messy experiments in doodling, drawing, and collage.

Esther Ervin, MFA, is a Seattle-based interdisciplinary artist whose practice includes sculpture, jewelry, book arts, print making, and installation.
Working across media, she explores themes of environment, local history, and social justice. Her jewelry and mixed-media works have been exhibited regionally and internationally, including in Washington, Oregon, Beijing (China), Vilnius and Palanga (Lithuania), and Legnica and Gdańsk (Poland). Her artistic approach blends traditional craft techniques to address contemporary concerns.