Eric Cortez (b.1986, American) is a visual artist residing on the southwest side of Chicago who explores mark making as a cathartic process. His current work is a survey of the body through figure drawings and abstract pieces inspired by natural and biological structures and arrangements. In 2017 he received a Bachelor of Arts in studio art with an emphasis in drawing from Northeastern Illinois University and currently works as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator. He has exhibited his work locally at Northeastern Illinois University, Harold Washington College, and Studio Oh! gallery. Out of the studio he enjoys running, making ephemeral art in public, collecting minerals and insect specimens, and researching the anatomy and physiology of plants and animals.