Originally from Southern California Erin Austin relocated to Humboldt County for a change of pace. Surrounded by redwoods and flanked by the Pacific Ocean, Humboldt County provided the perfect backdrop for an education in the sciences. The endless beauty and an emphasis on social and environmental responsibility also provided stimulus for artistic outlet. After devoting several years to studying Agriculture, Horticulture and Botany Erin changed her major to Studio Art. Graduating with a Studio Art degree with an Emphasis in Jewelry and Small Metals in 2007 and continuing to work with the Jewelry and Small Metals program through extended education Humboldt State University provided and continues to provide Erin with a solid background in the arts.
The timeless and lasting properties of metal paired with the intimate nature of physical adornment drew Erin to the world of metalsmithing. Much of her work explores concepts dealing with nature, abstraction, and humanities connection to the physical world through industrialism and self imposed social constructs. Erin creates conceptually driven art pieces as well as production work with a focus on form and aesthetics.