Featured Artist Series at Local Goods Chicago

​Eric Craig Studios - Photographer

​Eric Craig constantly challenges himself to look deeper into the hidden meanings with his photography. Emotion drives the passion to admire and appreciate the artistic nature of any piece of work. It must touch you in a way that brings a smile to your face, challenges your every thoughts, brightens your day or constantly keeps you thinking every time you lock eyes with it.

Eric strives on mastering the true emotion of his subject matter through imagery that tells a story in a subtle abstract nuance. With Eric’s years of experience and his passion to create, he is always searching for new mediums to bring to the forefront and into people’s homes.

Why did you choose to partner with Local Goods Chicago?
I have lived on the Northwest Side of Chicago for over 10 years and am thrilled to see the arts growing. To have a unique place like, Local Goods Chicago, is such a great addition to the community. After entering the store and talking with the staff, I felt an immediate connection and knew this would be a good place to showcase my work.  

What inspired you to start creating your artwork & how did you turn it into a business?
I was working as a Design Director here in Chicago for a culinary consulting firm. I was traveling all over the country documenting various events with a photo journalistic approach. As much as I enjoyed the photo journalistic style, the artist in me was focusing in on the bright colors, unique shapes, abstract forms and picturesque images. After much consideration, the artist side of me won and I started Eric Craig Studios in 2004. Over the last decade, I have specialized in events, food, architecture, lifestyle and of course my passion for fine-art photography. 

What do you remember wanting to be when you grew up?
I was always creating ever since I can remember and was very fortunate to have artistic parents that supported my creative endeavors. Growing up I wanted to be an architect until I took drafting in 7th grade and realized I did not have the patience for all the minute details. After I realized that I was not going to be the next Frank Lloyd Wright, I shifted my passion to drawing and painting and never looked back.  

What do you love most about the creative process?
The creative process has many levels, but what I love the most is that feeling of freedom that it provides. There is no wrong or right or defined value, just pure emotion. 

What makes your artwork unique or distinctive?
I think my design background definitely helps aid in my photography. I am always looking at my subject manner in multiple unique ways, which is very similar to design. I feel my distinctive style is how my photography connects with people and keeps them intrigued. I love it when someone stares into my work and lets their mind wander or has an instant connection.  

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