This is the story of a man, who all of his life, had a creative God given gift, but at an early age was discouraged from pursuing it in lieu of finding something that would "make money" for him.
For 30 years Erv Lauffer was able to use his creative talents in the field of design and drafting. Through his employment he had opportunities to create caricature posters of retirees.
Then he had an idea to use business cards to create unique likenesses of people doing what they do and putting the scenes in small glass domes.
Other opportunities for using his creative gift came his way with requests to do pen and ink house or building renderings.
Still aching to create on canvas, but not feeling confident because he had never had formal training, he felt the dream had passed him by.
In 2010, after a health scare in his late sixties, his family encouraged him to grab hold of the dream. His search for a teacher led him to someone who shares his love for the beauty of God's Creation and expresses it in detail on canvas. Later that year he began lessons and in his first show just eleven months later, he won a second place ribbon in acrylics! ,
Erv has served as the President of the Alden Art Club in Alden, NY and currently is adviser to the Alden Lancaster Art Club. His work has earned numerous awards. His works have been on display in various venues in the western New York area including The Riverwalk Art show, The Roycroft Inn, The Alden, Lancaster and Clarence Art Shows and more.