Merica Halstrom is an artist, mom, and social worker in Renton, Washington. Although Merica has multigenerational roots in the Pacific Northwest, she was raised in several different countries and cultures throughout her childhood. This multicultural exposure from a young age influenced her decision to go into social work after college. 

 

It wasn’t until Merica was in her late 20s that she followed a strong impulse to pursue a second degree in interior design. Instead of emerging with a passion for interior design, Merica discovered her love for creating art in the required studio classes. Merica decided to return to social work full time, but equipped with a new way to practice self-care and self-expression through painting.

 

Merica works primarily with oil and acrylic paint on canvas or wood panels. She often incorporates other mediums such as charcoal, pastel, paper, and most recently, cyanotype printing using sun exposure to create layered images. 

 

Creating art is the way that Merica is able to tune inward and listen. She is usually prompted by very specific moments or places, and then lets these expand out in an abstract style with some representational references. Her current work is a response to childhood memories, motherhood, and immersive nature experiences. Her work can be found at mericahalstrom.com or on Instagram @mericahalstrom.

Merica encourages you to dive into the creative process. Something valuable will always surface if you are faithful to it: a birth, a death, a link, a resolution, a truth that cannot be put into words. This experience connects us all.