I am currently in Austin, TX visiting one of my best friends. Her name is Katy Hirschfeld and she is a collage artist under the name Collage Garage. One of the things she and I always bonded over was a constant thirst for creativity, whether it was putting together costume-like outfits or decorating our dorm room. So when I planned my trip here I knew something fun and collaborative would ensue. What I didn’t plan for was the overwhelming inspiration that took hold of me as soon as I stepped off the plane. We toured her studio and I could not WAIT to get back to her apartment so I could try out this art form. I asked her to coach me and instead she threw a magazine and pair of scissors at me and said, “No. Just, like, do it.”
I set out to create a beach scene but once I saw a girl on a swing and kept flipping through pages, something else came out of me. Collaging felt like a release and sitting on the floor near Katy who was busy doing her own work got me really into it. Every single aspect of the piece is from a different clipping. The girl’s leg is from a different ad. The creepy guy on the upper left? That’s not really his eye!
It’s pretty amazing how the people closest too you can be your biggest inspiration. Did I mention I hadn’t seen her in years? If you have someone close to you who has slipped out of your reach, give them a call. It’s pretty incredible how much of a light people can bring to your life.
xx
A
P.S. If you are in Austin November 15th-16th or 22nd-23rd, be sure to check out the Collage Garage stop on the East Austin Studio Tour!
