Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Scharberg
Hi Paola, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins in Spain, where I was born and raised by a Spanish mother and American father. Ever since I can remember, I always enjoyed being creative although it took many years for me to consider myself an artist. I took some art classes in high school and often carried my Kodak around. I received a technical degree in film, radio, and event production. In my early 20s I got a DSLR and went on photo shoots on my days off from serving and in between shifts. I quickly became in love with the medium.
At the age of 25 I decided to leave Spain and move to the United States. Having dual citizenship but having never lived in the United states as an adult meant that I was ready to explore this side of my identity. Initially I went to Albuquerque, NM and made it to St. Louis some years later. I received a Bachelor in Communication in 2021 from the University of Missouri- St. Louis and I’ve have been working in higher education for the last several years.
I continued practicing photography for many years, but it started to slow down. One cold fall day in 2019 I starting cutting up magazines. It was exactly what I needed, everything instantly clicked. Since then, collage has been a huge part of my life, at times it’s an obsession. I often say collage saved me during the pandemic because it became my therapy and my escape from reality.
Last year I decided to take my art practice to the next level and start an LLC.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My biggest obstacle is related to time. Learning how to build and manage a small art business while having a full time job is challenging. I taught myself how to build a website and I’m constantly trying to learn more. I continue to educate myself in an attempt to sustainably grow the business. The bureaucratic aspect is the most daunting, learning about sales permits and tax filings is by far my least favorite part of owning an LLC. Finding the time to work on art projects (I’m often working on several art projects simultaneously) while also managing all other non-creative tasks associated with having a business is exhausting.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My collages are all cut by hand from books, magazines, and other discarded paper materials. I frequently explore the concepts of separation, geographical distance, self-exploration, the relationship between people and their natural environments, current news, and the absurd. At times I have a precise idea of what I want to make and other times I have a concept in mind and then allow the images to speak to me. I always begin by looking through clippings and magazines, followed by cutting, and lastly gluing. This process can takes weeks because after placing the images, and before gluing, I take photos of the work and step away. This step is essential since it allows me to review, rethink, and readjust. Once the image is glued to the surface, there is no turning back. My technique varies and at times I cut paper meticulously and others I tear it, creating an exciting moment of unpredictability. I also enjoy combining these opposite techniques. Although I would not consider myself a mixed media artist, at times I include paint, tape transfers, or graphite into my work. I enjoy the challenge and thrill of using the least amount of images possible to achieve a minimalist aesthetic.
For the past year and a half I have been working on a project where I only use my photographs. After more than a decade taking photographs, I have over a terabyte of images available. Using my own photos has been challenging but gratifying and I believe my story is better conveyed because there is a deep emotional connection to each image. This approach has changed the creative process requiring hours of searching and editing images on my computer. These will also be the largest collages I have ever made. Working on a larger format has had its fair share of logistical obstacles because I work from my home studio where space is limited.
I don’t like to categorize myself into a specific style. My work has evolved over time, as have I. I believe in constant evolution and think this applies to artwork as well as to personal growth. Since I began collaging five years ago, I have participated in many group exhibitions, local markets, and co-founded the STL Collage Collective with three other collage artists. My work can be seen at 31Art Gallery in St. Louis. As a collective, we promote collage at no cost to attendees. We are firm believers in the power of art to heal and build strong communities.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the lessons I’ve learned is that each person has their own timeline. One mold does not fit all. Not everyone reaches their goals at the same age and it’s never too late to pursue your interests. As cliché as it sounds, I think we need to believe in ourselves and follow our passion. It took me years to realize this but the road looks different for each of us and that’s what makes everyone beautiful and unique.
Pricing:
- $7 – $20 Prints
- $65 Small original work
- $90-$350 Large original work
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paolascharberg.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conflictedinspace
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-paola-scharberg-18688665/
- Twitter: https://x.com/pscharberg/status/1829569499856826517
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/stlcollagecollective
