Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar 2024

Erin McGee Ferrell's recent venture into Saudi Arabia has been a remarkable blend of teaching, cultural exchange, and artistic exploration. Erin traveled to the region for five separate work opportunities. The beginning of the trip was to be present for her Solo Art Exhibition around the subject of Formula 1 Grand Prix. This gallery show was part of Bahrain’s Spring of Culture 2024 and included workshops on Thermochromic pigments for the public. The next stop was Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where she represented the US State Department as a Public Speaker. including an intellectual engagement at Effat University where Erin spoke on integrating visual language in non-art fields using artificial intelligence. In the bustling city of Jeddah, she led watercolor workshops, sharing her expertise and participating in conversations about the evolving role of art in modern society especially amongst Saudi women and met many local artists. The historical charm of Jeddah's Al Ballad district served as a captivating canvas for a public painting session, fostering a vibrant dialogue with the local populace and challenging art making styles and techniques of depicting architecture.

Erin's artistic journey extended into the Saudi Desert region of Alula, where she led an immersive color theory workshop at a women's school dedicated to traditional crafts. This unique experience allowed for a rich exchange of Western thought around color and psychology with methods with the deep-rooted artisan traditions. Throughout this adventure the most important attributes for success were adaptability, endurance, humor, and respect for cultural nuances.

The final leg of Saudi took Erin to Riyadh to witness the bustling art scene. Exploring the huge modern city offered a deeper understanding of Saudi Arabia's contemporary artistic expressions, further enriching her perspective and creative outlook.

These multifaceted experiences have significantly influenced Erin's artistic vision. The New Series, "Paintings of Saudi" is slated for completion in December 2024. This anticipated series aims to encapsulate the vibrant essence of Saudi Arabia, from its rich cultural tapestry to its dynamic landscapes, all through Erin's interpretative lens.

To follow Erin's journey and discover more about her upcoming projects and adventures, visit ArtistAMERICAN.com. Or on Instagram @ArtistAMERICAN