Meet Ereisha Mackey | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ereisha Mackey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ereisha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always felt as though art was deeply embedded in my DNA. For as long as I can remember, I have been scribbling on paper scraps and in one too many sketchbooks. Needless to say, it has always been both a dream and overall goal of mine to become a fulltime artist. Initially, I wanted to go the route of either fashion design or architecture, but as time passed my interest fell on the uniqueness of the human face. It was with this that I began drawing portraits of my loved ones before moving onto the world of nude figure studies.

In the latter part of 2023, after years of on and off commitments to my art practice, I decided to wholeheartedly devote myself. I handed in my 2 weeks resignation letter and hoped for the best with a smile. At the moment, I am experimenting with various media and subject matter to branch out from the black and white world of charcoal and graphite that I have grown to love.

2024 is all about experimentation! That’s the fun part about art: there are no rules 🙂

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My media of choice is charcoal and graphite on canvas with my main subject focus being portraits and the human figure. Every face is unique and I enjoy capturing that. I truly enjoy working with my hands, so aside from drawing, you will catch me creating woodwork projects, creating murals or something along those lines.

Some highlights of my career would be:
• May 2014 – Collaborated with Mr. Kim Smith to build a sustainable energy model home for BREEF (Bahamas Reef Environment Energy Foundation)’s exhibition at the College of the Bahamas
• Fall 2015 – Won Best In Show at the Bahamas National Trust Wine and Art Festival as a part of Mega Mergers (repurposed tires and inner tubes to create furniture, jewelry and clothing)
• February 2019 – Volunteered at Centreville Primary School with Ms. Candis Marshall of Mega Mergers Programs in collaboration with Playground Ideas to create a playground for students out of recycled and upcycled materials, such as: tires, plywood etc.

On a personal note, completing my first self portrait in 2022, is something I am very proud of.

My business is still in the early stages, but I am excited to see what the future holds.

I would say the biggest lesson I have learned so far is to step out of my shell and share my artwork. As artists, we can sometimes be too self conscious of our creations; wary of what others may say or think.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a homebody at heart so this is a little difficult for me (lol). If I were to make an itinerary for someone visiting, it would be as follows:

Monday – A trip to The Bahamas isn’t complete unless you visit the world’s largest open air aquarium at Atlantis on Paradise Island. We can dine on some delicious food at Bimini Road Restaurant before heading back into town at the end of the day.

Tuesday – A 3-stop Snorkel Adventure is on the books for today.

Wednesday – The beach tends to be more crowded on the weekends, so I would take advantage of the middle of the week. This day would be dedicated to lounging at the beach under the sun while being serenaded by the many seagulls.

Thursday – Today will be spent at home relaxing.

Friday – A morning Landscape art class at The Current Bahamar will start our day followed by an afternoon Leaf Printing class. We can grab something from Starbucks as a quick bite between classes as we browse the many stores at the beautiful hotel.

Saturday – Today would be spent on Paradise Island. Once on the island, we’ll make our way to Marina Village for the weekend Art Walk. Here we can browse art by local artists, indulge in local cuisine and listen to sweet Bahamian music.

Sunday – Sunday is all about relaxing. After a morning church service, we will head to my humble abode for a delicious Bahamian meal followed by some time in front of the television.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I would like to thank God for instilling a creative passion within me, as there is no other career path that I would’ve found as fulfilling.

A big shoutout goes out to my parents for being so supportive of my creative journey throughout the years, despite my indecisiveness. I would also like to thank my creative partner Miah for encouraging me whenever I’m feeling down, and pushing me to attempt every idea I have, no matter how silly. And I can’t help but thank my longtime mentor of over 20 years, Mr. Kim Smith, who helped shape me into the artist I am today.

Lastly, a very special shoutout goes out to my lovely and ever so talented friend KeJuana Beneby! Without her recommendation, I would not be taking part in this interview.

There are many names I have missed, but a heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who has ever shared a post of mine, bought a print, commissioned or blessed me with words of encouragement. I appreciate it all!

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