Erie Native, Diverse Creator: Brad Ford
Brad Ford brings his artistic vision to life in Erie, Pennsylvania. For over 35 years, he’s enriched the community with a unique blend of talents – graphic design, web development, painting, and set design for dance and theatre productions like Lake Erie Ballet’s “Blue Ballet” and the Roadhouse Theatre.
Brad’s artistic journey began at Edinboro University with a BFA in Animation, followed by an MBA from Western Governors University. This diverse background fuels his creativity, evident in his captivating artwork exhibited throughout Erie. His solo show “Of Rag-Dolls and Rocket-ships” at Urraro Gallery showcased his range, encompassing paintings, assemblage, and sculpture.
Beyond individual expression, Brad is a dedicated community builder. He played a pivotal role in planning the Utah Arts Festival while living in Salt Lake City, and upon returning to Erie, his contributions continued. He’s been instrumental in events like CelebrateErie and Erie Crime Victim’s Center Midday Dance Breaks. His work was juried into the prestigious 2021 Erie Art Museum Spring Show, Bigger Sky’s at City Gallery, and commissioned to build out a digital sculpture further solidifying his artistic merit.
Brad’s latest show ” Broken Sculpture” is a solo show at Feed Media Center’s newest Art Project cafeGiant. From Feb 14 – May 26th 2025.
Read Press Release
“Broken Sculpture” explores the fragmented nature of form and meaning in our world, echoing the iconoclasm of Dada, the irreverence of Neo-Dada, and the digital subversion of contemporary art. Deconstructing and reassembling sculptural forms, I mirror the fractured experience of modern life. Like the Dadaists’ embrace of absurdity and the Neo-Dadaists’ incorporation of everyday objects, my work uses found materials, digital detritus, and pop culture elements to blur art and life.
“Broken Sculpture” engages with “Digital Dada,” incorporating digital fabrication, video animations, and interactive media. This isn’t just a nod to the past DaDa artists, it’s an attempt to grapple with our chaotic present. By embracing Dada’s spirit, I create challenging, playful works that invite viewers to question their perceptions of art, technology, and reality.
But Brad’s impact extends beyond the canvas. He was a strategic partner in developing PACA and a founding member of Radius Cowork space, fostering collaboration and artistic growth. His art shifted into the creation of Erie Art Gallery where until 2021 Brad Ford had his art and studio. Currently, his partnership with FEED Digital Media Center has him exploring the exciting realm of digital art and blockchain technology, seeking innovative ways to support local artists.
Whether painting vibrant works, designing engaging websites, or contributing to community initiatives, Brad Ford’s passion for art and Erie shines through. He is a true multi-faceted artist, leaving a lasting mark on his hometown and beyond.
Samples: https://linktr.ee/superbigfun ( portfolio)
My work explores the relationship between graphical sensibilities and technology, with influences as diverse as Salvador Dali and Berkeley Breathed. From that foundation, new styles are crafted.
“PopArt, meets old school graffiti, meets abstract expressionist composition. “
-Hieronymus A. Bogs
I hope to convey 21st century postmodernism – specifically the Kitsch Movement. Kitsch is all about embracing everything that is possible in art. That means that a painting done in a cartoon style does not have to be an ironic statement “about cartoons,” or a rebellion against commercial culture – it can just be what it is. The boundaries between what is “high art” and “low art” are broken and Kitsch painting can be whatever the artist and the viewer want it to be.
