Capturing Raw Moments

The following illustrations are by Erica Wilson and were published in the fall/winter 2024 print publication of Stance on Dance. Enjoy!

A swirling orangish and black illustration of three dancers.

“I Am”, electronic, acrylic, 2024 (Inspired by singer/songwriter Katie Hemming)

Artist Statement

I am inspired when a dancer exudes authenticity in gesture and flow, which I try to capture on paper. I pick up a pencil when I cannot dance myself, or when words are not sufficient.

Dance improvisation, with its unprepared gestures and subtle shifts, fascinates me. These moments of authenticity are what I strive to depict. It’s not the fancy turns, tricks, or jumps, but an individual’s vulnerability exposed in movement that I find alluring – postures within poses, unscripted.

An illustration in gray of one dancer wearing a dress lifting another.

“Impact”, charcoal, graphite, 2024 (Inspired by choreographer Rosie Trump’s dance company With or Without Dance, featuring dancers Melissa Ennis and Heather Rodriguez).

My process is unpredictable and continuously evolving. I mainly use charcoal, graphite, and acrylic, but I also explore electronic paintings and enjoy painting on various objects.

I often draw people I know, capturing their essence in raw moments as a way to stay connected to them. Usually they have affected me deeply. I hope to inspire others to keep moving, as even the smallest movements are sacred.

An illustration of two dancers soaring in a jump with outstretched arms like birds.

“Birds”, Charcoal and Graphite, 2024 (Inspired by “Murmuration” choreographed by Corinne Undercoffer and Melissa Ennis, Reno Dance Fest 2024)

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Erica Wilson explores the meaning and need for movement through improvisation, video, music, photography, writing, and drawing. She started Mövgram Dance in Reno, NV, which led to the creation of the annual Reno Dance Festival. Erica is a certified NCPC Pilates instructor, has attended Cornish College in Seattle, and is continuing her education in movement therapy and kinesiology.  She recently taught movement in Germany but is now living in Albuquerque, NM, and is working on her books, Not Words and Keep Moving; A Book on Space. Erica’s creations can be found on Instagram @erica_movgram, on YouTube as Movgram Dance: Not Words, and on Facebook as Mövgram Dance. 

An illustration of a dancer wearing a pink dress showing her back with raised arms. The background is black.

“Ozora”, electronic Airbrush, 2024, (Inspired by choreographer Rosie Trump’s dance company With or Without Dance, featuring dancer Ozora Cheek.)

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