Bossier City Artist Erica Branch Turns Passion into Artistry After Military Service

Bossier City Welcomes a New Artistic Talent: Erica Branch

Bossier City, a vibrant hub for creativity and culture, is buzzing with excitement as local artist _Erica Branch_ steps into the spotlight. Known for her charming and whimsical style, Branch has turned her lifelong passion for art into a successful career following her remarkable service in the U.S. Army.

A Journey Through Art and Service

If you ask Erica Branch where she grew up, she would say, “Everywhere.” Having dedicated nearly nine years on active duty in the Army, she displayed extraordinary commitment to her country, including a deployment to Iraq in support of _Operation Enduring Freedom_. But even amidst military drills and duties, Erica found solace in art. She uses every free moment to express her creativity, often doodling in meetings and during her downtime.

Now settled in Bossier Parish for almost six years, she has embraced her artistic side full-time under the name _Branch Heart Art_. Her talent was recently recognized when she was chosen as the only artist from Bossier to contribute to the new artwork display at the anticipated _Live! Casino_ opening in Bossier City. “I feel like a little superstar,” Erica said, beaming with pride. “I am so honored.”

Encouragement From Home

The journey to her accepted submission piece, _“Joie De Vivre”_, was a group effort – one that would not have been possible without the unwavering support of her husband. He encouraged her to step outside her usual artistic boundaries, leading to the creation of a piece that showcased her willingness to explore new styles. With a chuckle, she remarked, “I told him, ‘I’ll let you be right for once out of close to sixteen years of marriage.’”

From Childhood Dreams to Vibrant Art

Art has always been in Erica’s blood. She fondly remembers selling her first artwork to her gym teacher back in grade school. “If you ask my mom, she’ll tell you that I would not eat my food until she put a pencil in my hand and I would start doodling,” she recalled with a smile. “I was drawing before I could even walk!”

Erica’s style is described as whimsical, often drawing inspiration from fantasy novels. “I think it’s kind of wild and crazy. It’s just out there,” she said. She prefers to work with gouache and watercolor, although her skills don’t just stop at 2D paintings. She’s also into leathercraft and woodworking, using antique or scrap wood to create unique pieces. “I love to repurpose stuff and give it new life,” she emphasized.

Mailbags and Light Boxes

One of her impressive woodworking creations is a stunning wooden light box with a stained-glass effect, which she originally intended as a gift for her husband. However, once it was completed, she was so taken with it that she kept it for herself. Erica’s artistic prowess extends to her painting titled _“Eden”_, featuring a young girl surrounded by colorful flowers and whimsical woodland creatures. “I love doing pieces based on fantasies or stories,” she noted. “Once I get the idea and image in my head, it just goes.”

Inspiration Around Every Corner

For Erica, inspiration comes from all around. Whether it’s vintage finds, fashion, or pop culture, everything feeds into her art. The frames she often uses are thrifted antiques that she revamps to fit her style, proving that she has an eye for both creativity and sustainability.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Artists

Erica Branch has a message for aspiring artists: embrace everything around you. “Art and skill are going to come as time progresses,” she advised. “Use all of the tools at your disposal. Don’t worry about ‘Oh, if I look too much at this artist, I’m going to copy them,’ because you won’t. You’re you. You’re unique and it will help you grow.”

If you’re interested in seeing or purchasing her art, Erica offers prints and stickers on her website, with pieces available at various galleries in the Shreveport-Bossier area. It’s clear that with her innovative outlook and dedication, Erica Branch is a rising star in the local art scene, one beautiful creation at a time.