PORTFOLIO | Erick Mota Art

My portfolio includes original works and canvas prints for sale, commissioned pieces, and personal works. Take a look around. See something you like? Click on it for more information.

"Digress 3" (2022) 24" x 30" Oil on canvas

“Digress 3” is the newest one in the ‘Digress’ series, which further symbolizes how life unexpectedly digresses in ways we didn’t plan or prepare for. Owls can be interpreted to represent transformative change, intuition, intellect, wisdom, and understanding. According to Freud, red owls in a dream represent negativity being pushed out of the subconscious. The opinions of others, the fast pace of life, the weak and vulnerable state of a person, are all represented when red owls enter a dream, as they seek togetherness in a life that is out of control. The color red describes one’s energy and emotional signature as a message from the subconscious to pay attention to seemingly small decisions that can have significant consequences. The red owls can also represent ambition and passion, suggesting a pursuit of a goal with a single-minded focus and determination while dealing with “balanced chaos” as life digresses.

"Wishing Well" (2022) 24" x 24" Oil on canvas

Nestled within Disneyland park is Snow White’s Wishing Well. Wishing wells are a product of European folklore with theories suggesting that, since clean water was oftentimes a scarce resource, Germanic and Celtic tribes believed that spirits would create and guard the water, and so they would drop payment to show their appreciation. These days, with clean water luckily being more accessible we might no longer thank water spirits, but the tradition of wishing and dropping coins into wells has survived.

This Disneyland painting was inspired by my mother - a lifelong Disney lover - and given to her for her birthday.
Canvas prints of this painting are available.

"Brain Vs. Heart: Round 1" (2022) 36" x 36" Oil on canvas

You’ve heard of the saying ‘the heart rules the head’ but in real life, things are never that simple. Every day we are forced to make decisions between our emotions and practicality, and I’ve depicted that war here. In this unique artwork, you’ll notice both the brain and the heart are tied in a boxing match. There is no winner in this battle, showing that they are both worthy foes – each the other’s equal canceling out the successes of the other part and each other’s nemesis, destined to fight for eternity.

"Vulva Volvo" (2022) 20" x 30" Oil on canvas

The inspiration for this Vulva painting derived from my teenage self, but the meaning runs much deeper. My father has a thick Venezuelan accent and, when he would refer to the family car that was a gray Volvo at the time, it literally sounded like he was saying “Vulva.” I found this humorous at the time, but did not foresee that it would evolve into a painting many years later with an entirely different meaning to me. Although the vulva is surrounded by a world designed by and for men, she sits comfortably in the driver's seat and confidently, representing empowerment for females, as she speeds down the road in the safety of her Volvo. Despite living in a man’s world, you can bet that women will always show up at the steering wheel and navigate their way through the toughest of obstacles.

"Water The Flowers In My Soul" (2022) 36" x 48" Oil on canvas

It can be argued that water is life’s most precious essence, adding newness to the weary world as it washes the ground clean, breathes life into even the most delicate of plants and refreshes our bodies from within. It is vital for the survival of all living creatures, especially us humans. But then there is the soul – equally as vital and as fluid as water, guiding us through life’s challenges in a way that the mere human form cannot. This sensual art piece celebrates the freedom of the soul, how it grows and develops into an entity bigger than love, bigger than religion, bigger than life itself.

"Kobe Celebration" [Art Study] (2022) 20"x 20" Oil on canvas

Art Study.
This was a gift for a family member. Currently working on a 36" x 36" version. Coming in 2023.

"The Worm" (2022) 20" x 24" Oil on canvas

Dennis Rodman is one of my favorite basketball players of all-time. His style of play represented an intensity difficult to emulate. Nicknamed “The Worm” for his ability of gaining possession amid a crowd of players, wiggling in and out of tight situations, grabbing rebounds. He led the league seven consecutive years in rebounding, gaining a mental advantage over every opponent he faced. His propensity to hustle every time he stepped on the court was fun to watch, even off the ball, when he was defending any position. This iconic picture represented Dennis Rodman in his fullest, hustling for loose balls and playing a style that will forever cement him as the greatest rebounder of all time.

"Jamal" (2022) 20" x 20" Oil on canvas

Commissioned artwork.

"Tokyo" (2021) 20" x 20" Oil on canvas

Personal artwork of my dog, Tokyo - a purebred Pomeranian that is always smiling and has lots of energy.
Fun fact: Tokyo was named after the character "Tokyo" from "Money Heist," influencing the red background. She has since adopted the nickname "Poopie" and responds to both names.

"Storm" (2021) 20" x 20" Oil on canvas

Personal artwork of my cat, Storm - a purebred Siamese cat that loves to eat.

"Coco" (2021) 20" x 20" Oil on canvas

Personal artwork of my dog Coco - a rescue dog who is a pitbull/whippet mix. Coco has very expressive eyes and you can usually find her staring at you with her "signature" right ear upright while you're trying to eat a meal.

"Queen Cleo & Caesar Emilio" (2021) 20" x 20" Oil on canvas

Commissioned artwork.

"The Game Of Life" (2021) 36" x 48" Oil on canvas

While every human has the chance to hear God’s truth and choose whether to respond to it, the masterful battle between God versus The Devil is like a chess-match, in which we are the pieces. From the perspective of mankind, the battle of right vs. wrong, light vs. darkness, and good vs. evil, begins with a clash of values with God, being a meta-physical entity, destined to win the battle against the author of sins, in “The Game of Life.”

"Walk Through Fire With You" (2021) 20" x 28" Oil on canvas

Two people in a relationship—perhaps lovers, siblings, or friends—stand ready to take on the world together. Hand in hand, they will walk through all adversity, for “walking through fire,” means to face danger or pain. This couple's painting signifies devotion, and a resolve to accomplish life together. They stand at the edge of steps, or a bridge, and if you notice, there is no grounding or footing they can step to next. They know this, and yet, they choose to go forward. The fire is bright, vibrant, and blazing, but together, they will face the odds.

"Adrift" (2021) 30" x 30" Oil on canvas

To be adrift is to be floating stationary, being steered neither in one direction, nor the other. For there are always two sides of a coin, two paths to take. This bride painting features a Kanye West lyric from “Lost in the World,” that explores this duality that we see all the time—in nature, in people, and within ourselves. It’s not clear whether this bride will choose heaven or hell; whether she is dressing or undressing. We are stuck in a moment in time. Whether hung in a hallway or featured in the living room, this meaningful piece of artwork asks us, “Which side do you choose?”

" 'Til My Tape Pop" (2021) 22" x 28" Oil on canvas

The 90s...aka The Golden Era of Hip Hop. This eclectic Biggie Smalls painting was inspired by the old school rap scene, when me and a group of buddies would listen to cassette tapes until they literally exploded. Don’t know what that’s like? Well, you just had to be there. The iconic lyric from “Juicy,” says it all. This canvas print is a bit of hip hop room decor that any old school rap fan will appreciate. Colorful, brush strokes and bright, happy hues foster a pure energy and momentum.

"Lost Love" (2021) 36" x 36" Oil on canvas

Taking inspiration from the psychedelic record covers of the ‘60s and ‘70s is "Lost Love," a multicolored creation that explores the near-euphoric hedonism of infatuation. The central mouth motif is undoubtedly sexual, oozing with lust. When two lovers connect on the spiritual plane, the world stops around them and nothing else feels real — there is no higher vibrational frequency than that of two buzzing hearts. The electric shock of it will begin in the brain and seep from the lips in a shared embrace. Take flight with this newfound freedom and feel unbreakable with the strength of this unconditional love.

"Unique New York" (2021) 24" x 36" Oil on canvas

Bright lights, Broadway shows, yellow taxis on all avenues. We all know New York is the city that never sleeps. Whether you’re there for a lifetime, or just one night, it’s always an adventure. I have always been captivated by the New York skyline, and in this iconic Brooklyn bridge canvas painting, I aim to show the city in a new way. I imagine the Brooklyn bridge in vibrant, grassy green—a symbol of nature taking over, while glistening city skyscrapers stand tall in the background. This painting brings a sense of peace and calm onto a city that’s brimming with energy.

"Sunflowers On The Beach" (2021) 40" x 40" Oil on canvas

"Sunflowers on the Beach" pays an ode to my passion for the beauty of mother nature. Historically, the Helianthus annuus has held a nuance of meaning for various cultures. Strength, like its stalk. Positivity, like the color yellow it bears. Or, admiration and loyalty, like the Greek nymph Clytie, transformed into the flower by her lover, the god Apollo, and determined to follow his journey across the sky for all time. This versatile piece of artwork will bring a sense of peace, lightness, and devotion to any space.

"Free Spirit" (2021) 16" x 20" Oil on canvas

When you’re near a horse, something special happens. There's a sense of magic, grace, elegance, and awe that takes over. “The horse you get off is not the same as the horse you got on. It is your job as a rider to ensure that as often as possible, the change is for the better.” Reading this quote in Sharon Ralls Lemon’s “The Ultimate Horse Book,” inspired me to break the rules a bit when it came to this horse painting on canvas. It encouraged me to capture the abstract beauty, and wild sense of being within. I used wide, sweeping brush strokes and vibrant colors to bring “Free Spirit” to life.

"Chromatic Raccoon" (2021) 24" x 36" Oil on canvas

Viewed in the world as nothing more than a scavenger, scurrying from one trash can to another, I see a resourceful creature recycling the materials of the world for his own needs, perfecting the art of adaptability. The spiritual meaning of raccoons represent a guiding force, able to help those in a mess deal with problems effortlessly and deal with the darker aspects of one’s life. In dreams, raccoons represent a warning or a need to safeguard family and loved ones from danger. The chromatic side of the raccoon in the painting reminds us that while being resourceful, we can also be colorful, imaginative, and stimulating, as reality and dreams become one.

"Digress 2" (2020) 24" x 30" Oil on canvas

The sequel in the Digress series - this painting further represents how life unexpectedly digresses in a direction we didn’t plan or prepare for.
Studying Freudian dream interpretations in my psychology undergrad, sparked a fascination with the meaning of owls.
Symbolizing transformation, intuitive development, knowledge, and wisdom, owls can be interpreted to represent changes within our lives that seek protection, luck, hope, and transitionary states.
According to Freud, white owls in a dream signifies a meeting with a person, who will change your world, is waiting for you. The emotional signature attached to the dream makes one aware of the of the energetic impact it is having on one’s waking life, while the color can describe the energy or emotions one is currently working through.
Similar to “Digress,” this painting “Digress 2” is also meant to portray “balanced chaos,” in which a masterpiece could be created within the mess. It differs from the first painting, by flipping everything 180 degrees and using opposite colors (dark colors converted to brighter colors), symbolizing growth, an evolved perspective, and intuitive development.

"Black Cement 3s" (2020) 18" x 24" Oil on canvas

This painting was inspired by my favorite pair of Jordan’s. This sneaker was released in 1988, and since I’m an 80s baby, I had to paint these classics. These are the first Jordan’s to feature the “elephant print” design. MJ wore these sneakers in 1988 NBA All Star Game, dropping 40 points and winning MVP for the East.

"Fire Red 5s" (2020) 18" x 24" Oil on canvas

I was inspired to paint these when the Air Jordan Fire Red 5 retros were rereleased in May 2020.
These are classics in the sneaker community, debuting in 1990, in which Michael Jordan was in his fifth season, and took home his second MVP award, after leading the Bulls to a 61-win season.
The sneaker consists of Jordan’s signature jumpman stance on a silver reflective tongue, fire red accents on the shark-tooth detailed underfoot, a visible air pocket, a white leather upper, classic mesh panels, and the iconic Nike Air logo on the heel.

"The Boy In The Pandemic" (2020) 18" x 24" Oil on canvas

Inspired by Paul Cézanne’s 1890 version of his “The Boy In The Red Vest,” this piece provides a different perspective on how we experienced life in 2020. Equipped with a face mask, gloves, and an abundance of toilet paper, the boy in the painting is experiencing life in quarantine, focused on uncertainty and ruminating on fear.
Cézanne did 4 versions of his “The Boy In The Red Vest” painting (also titled “The Boy In The Red Waistcoat”) using the same Italian boy in each painting, changing the pose in each one.
This particular pose is similar to Cézanne’s version that is currently in the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), located in NYC. This is the “remix,” portraying the odd, unpredictable, and uncertain times we faced as a world in 2020, while remaining safe under quarantine.