Multimedia Artist
Hi, I’m Erin Machado! I’m an artist and architectural designer, born and raised in Georgia. I’ve been painting and drawing for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always just wanted to be an artist in any way possible. I love making things and was never strict on what I was making as long as it was able to be expressive and from me - and that’s what led me to study architecture.
In architecture school, I got introduced to a whole new world of design beyond painting and drawing. I learned about digital modeling, animation, rendering, model making, sculpture, furniture design, and how art and design can completely shape a space. I learned that art is more than just painting - design can touch literally everything in our lives. While painting and drawing are still my go-to mediums, all those skills have made me feel like a more well-rounded artist.
While I’ve built a career in architecture, it’s sometimes hard to shake the mental divide I create between architecture and art. I often find myself thinking of architecture as my career and art as my hobby, but I know that’s a very limiting way to look at myself. In reality, I’ve been building my art career far longer than my career in architecture, and the things I’ve achieved in art have often been harder won.
For example, after launching an online shop last year, I’ve seen steady growth and support for my art. Each sale reminds me that this isn’t just a side project—it’s a career in its own right. Even so, I’ve noticed that within architecture—a field often seen as “creative”—there can be a dismissive attitude toward artists who pursue work outside of the profession. I’ve come to realize that these two fields are neighbors in the design world and have the potential to inform and elevate one another. It’s rare to see someone fully embrace being both an architect and an artist, but I believe we can do better at breaking down those barriers.
Ultimately, my work in architecture complements my artistic journey, serving as a reminder of why I create art: not for fame or fortune, but simply because I love it.
How did you get into Art-Making?
I was always inspired by my grandparents, who were my biggest fans and art collectors when I was growing up. They used to say I had art in my blood—apparently, a couple of Cuban family members were artists and art collectors (Google Domingo Ravenet to read about my most famous relative!). I’ve had very little connection to anyone else who studied or practiced art "professionally," so this vague familial link meant a lot to me and gave me the confidence to keep improving my skills.
Although I’ve always had more bad ideas than good ones, I was always encouraged to explore any artistic idea I thought was worth pursuing. That said, I also always knew that the only reason my art might improve, change, or falter would be because of my individual actions. I had many wonderful art teachers and attended drawing classes and camps, but I realized early on that the drive had to come from me—they couldn’t create the art for me!
For this reason, I believe anyone with that drive is capable of becoming an artist in some capacity. Following this belief, I hardly spend money on art materials. When I do, I buy basic supplies like primary colors and dollar-section brushes. I reuse canvases from thrift stores, and many of my materials are donated—something I always welcome gratefully.
This started as a necessity. In high school, I wanted to create large-scale art pieces but didn’t have much money for materials. I discovered that when my school’s theater department took down old set designs between plays, they discarded wood pieces. I started “dumpster diving” for usable pieces of wood. The lengths we will go to to make art is amazing! This method actually worked well, and the imperfections in the wood added character and charm to my work, which became part of my practice beyond high school.
These reused materials made my paintings more approachable, especially for people my age. I’ve always tried to price my art accessibly for my peers. As I’ve grown older, my art and prices have matured with me. While some have told me I don’t charge enough, I see it differently. Making art accessible reflects my philosophy: you shouldn’t have to be rich to create art, and you shouldn’t have to be rich to own it.
What is your creative process? What inspires you?
My art process has become so intuitive that when people ask why or how I created something, I often can’t recall a concrete reason. The Chicken and Wine piece is a good example. It started as an exploration of oil pastels—a medium I hadn’t worked with much but loved for its blend of painting and drawing qualities.
I was gifted hundreds of oil pastels by a friend whose grandfather, an artist, had passed away. Knowing their sentimental value, I felt honored to create something meaningful with them. The previous year, my family impulsively purchased baby chicks during the Covid-19 lockdown. I had very little inspiration to keep my art going during the lockdown so my art came to include a lot of chickens! A full year later I had a collection of chicken-themed art, which has since evolved into a broader “kitchen art” theme. I decided to make Chicken and Wine the centerpiece of this collection.
I created it one afternoon on the floor of my bedroom. When I finished, I realized it reminded me of my grandmother, whose kitchen was covered in rooster-themed decor—sculptures, plates, figurines, salt and pepper shakers, magnets, and more. This piece became a full-circle moment for me, combining reused materials, family inspiration, and unapologetic self-expression.
When Chicken and Wine was picked up by The Print Shop ATL, it marked a huge milestone—it was my first contracted piece, complete with authenticity certificates and public display. When I shared the news with my friend, his mother wept with joy, knowing her father’s art supplies had found a meaningful new life. Moments like this bring me the most joy and are why I will always create art.
Tell us some fun facts about yourself!
I love hiding easter eggs in my paintings. They aren’t always actually hidden, but more like subtle nods to my personal life hiding in plain sight. When selling art, it is easy to get swept away in what seems more 'sellable' and trending vs what might look weird or out of place. I do this to remind myself that I create art first and foremost for myself. Some recurring elements include a red moka pot, a can of Bustelo coffee, my blue pet parakeet Avis (RIP), random architecture drafting tools, and my “shark bite” scar—a U-shaped surgery scar on my hip that looks like a shark bite.
I believe showing personal touches in my work gives it a unique value. Without that connection, art loses some of its soul.
Shop Erin's print "Chicken and Wine" here!
