Art

Gotta Catch ’Em All

wobble

SINCE THE ADVENT of the digital universe we live in today, more and more painters embrace computer design programs and digital culture as the vehicle and subject matter of new creations.

In Austin native Eric Ockrassa’s new show at Zoya Tommy Gallery, the interplay between digital and analog is on full display. The 12 abstract, geometric paintings in the show — titled Ocular Resistance and up through early December — speak to what it means to create art in today’s post-analog culture.

While working on his undergrad degree at Texas State, Ockrassa, now 27, struggled to reconcile his dream of becoming a painter and the desire to major in something more marketable. He double majored in painting and graphic design to give himself a fallback plan just in case his artistic dreams didn’t pan out. As Ockrassa attended grad school for painting at UH, where he found himself increasingly relying on his graphic design background as he developed his hard-edge, abstract style. “I wouldn’t be making the paintings I make now if I didn’t have my graphic design background.”

Ockrassa’s paintings begin as sketches in Adobe Illustrator before finalized designs are printed out and turned into vinyl stickers used as stencils for his acrylic paintings. It’s an unforgiving method — a single mistake at one stage in the process means he has to start from scratch — but one that enables the painter to create complex, geometric pieces with painstaking precision.

And true to post-analog sensibilities, the colors the artist used in his new show were inspired by his love for Pokemon Go. “I’m using bright, contrasting colors to create optical movement,” explains Ockrassa, an avid gamer.

Got Game? Eric Okrassa’s vibrant, Pokemon-inspired ‘Wibble,’Got Game? Eric Okrassa’s vibrant, Pokemon-inspired ‘Wibble,’

It’s a winning strategy from Ockrassa. The abstract, geometric shapes populating his pieces seem imbued with an almost electric energy as they pulsate colorfully from within their canvas prisons — not unlike a Pokemon trapped inside a Pokeball. In fact, Ockrassa’s show is one instance where a viewer can look at a painting and think, “Wow. That color really reminds me of a Bulbasaur’s bulb,” and not be all that far off from the artist’s original intent.

Art+Culture
promoted

‘Natural Passion’ Makes Fourth-Gen Houstonian Sarah Callaway Sulma a Realty Star

‘Natural Passion’ Makes Fourth-Gen Houstonian Sarah Callaway Sulma a Realty Star

AS A FOURTH-generation Houstonian, Sarah Callaway Sulma has a unique and invaluable view of the city. Her deep seated connection to Houston led her down the path to becoming one the city's most well-respected, and renowned real estate agents. Sarah's natural passion for the real estate industry from a young age led her to where she is today. "I know that it sounds cheesy, but it is the truth! I wanted to be in real estate from a young age," Sarah shares. "The late-great restaurateur, Tony Vallone, put me together with real estate legend, Martha Turner, and Martha put me together with Cathy Cagle. The rest is history-13 years of success and counting!" Now with over 13 years in real estate and $55M+ in residential real estate sales, Sarah brings a rare combination of knowledge, skill, and advocacy to each one of her clients.

Keep Reading Show less
promoted

Fall Philanthropy Report: Children’s Assessment Center Touts ‘Healing’ for Child Abuse Victims

What is your mission? The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC) provides healing services to over 6,300 child sexual abuse victims and their families each year. We offer forensic interviewing, family advocacy, mental health services, medical care, and court services at no cost. We facilitate community outreach and prevention training to raise awareness about child abuse in our community and how to keep children safe. Last year, we provided prevention training to over 35,000 community members, including 23,500 children in schools.

Keep Reading Show less
promoted

Fall Philanthropy Report: Urban Harvest Farmers Market Helps ‘Transform Food Accessibility’

What year was your organization launched? Urban Harvest’s Saturday Farmers Market started in 2004 with just seven vendors, providing an outlet for local farms, community and backyard gardeners to sell fresh produce harvested directly from their soils. Now in its 20th year, the market has grown to be one of the largest markets in Texas, supporting over 100 local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans all from within 180 miles of Houston. The market draws 3,000 customers every Saturday morning and includes many original vendors like Animal Farm, Atkinson Farms, and Wood Duck Farm.

Keep Reading Show less