The pursuit of homeostasis in all aspects of life is a common intrinsic motivation of humanity. Having that in mind, the assembling of pieces and fragments with the intention to leave some things up to happenstance guides most of my creative process. Finding the balance between contrasting visual elements such as geometric shapes and lines in conjunction with organic forms or mixing digital and physical components in various processes. Paired with a fascination for investigating the boundaries of various creative processes and creating new dynamics by mixing mediums has created an endless opportunity for experimentation and collaboration.
Tia Erin is an experimental artist in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Her work reflects her ongoing exploration of mediums and motivations. She earned her associate degree in Photography from Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, starting a journey that led to Spearfish, South Dakota, where she completed her BFAs in Photography, Studio Art, and Graphic Design with an Art Management minor at Black Hills State University. Working in a flexible modality has led to an eclectic portfolio spanning digital, 3-D, traditional, and alternative-process artworks.
Tia has exhibited her work throughout South Dakota and Wyoming, participating in solo, group, and juried exhibitions. In 2023, she presented two solo exhibitions, Gestalt at the Lead-Deadwood Art Center and Gestalt Symbolism in the Dahl Arts Center’s Emerging Artist Gallery in Rapid City. Her work was featured in Thirty Under Thirty at Augustana University in Sioux Falls and Women Artists of the Black Hills at the Art House in Hot Springs in 2024. She has also participated in the Dahl Arts Center’s Annual Benefit Art Auction in 2024 and 2025, the Physics Underground Photowalk at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead in 2025, and the 11th South Dakota Governor’s Biennial Art Exhibition in 2025. Additional exhibitions include those hosted by the Matthews Opera House, Black Hills State University, and Northwest College.
Beyond her studio practice, Tia believes in art’s ability to build connections, encourage exploration, and strengthen communities. Moving to Lead, South Dakota, in 2020 created a network of artists, educators, facilitators, and supporters of the arts in the Black Hills. In the summer of 2022, she began working with the Matthews Opera House to manage art exhibits, build creative community outreach, and work with local organizations to bring the arts to Spearfish and the Black Hills.
Her artistic practice and community engagement continually inform one another, reflecting her ongoing pursuit of connection and her balance of experimentation, collaboration, and meaningful bonds through art. Looking ahead, Tia is ready to continue exploring art in her own studio practice while working with her community to host accessible creative environments.
