Katy Hirschfeld of Collage Garage Is Redefining What Art Can Be

Tell us about your brand the Collage Garage. What inspired you to start it in the first place?

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I started collaging when I was 5 and have been putting my energy into it since then. Throughout my college, I used collaging as an outlet for my emotions. At first, it was my friends who noticed various collages I created in my apartment. At first, I created collages for them, but at the same time this was not the only thing I was drawn to. Psychologically and aesthetically, mostly I felt this urge to create more and more collages, thus throwing it all in one big picture.

On one random day, I found an incredible printer at the law firm I used to work at. I took out several prints for my collages everyday, which brought me to the realization that collaging was my passion as it helped me to ground myself and those around me. People don’t usually pursue collaging since it something very uncommon. I find collaging equivalent to doing meditation. It helps me understand my thoughts more, especially when they are all over the place.

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We would love to know about the services you offer. In detail, tell us about your products and services.

I offer custom collages and also work with many reputed gallaries. Clients hire me to create a commission for a loved one filled with meaningful things to them such as; special dates, locations, inside jokes, etc. These collages tend to become archival tributes to the recipient, which makes for such a special and thoughtful gift. Working digitally is also one aspect of my business. Most of these pieces turn out to be covers for albums. I’ve worked with several musicians including Idan Raichel, something I’ve very proud of. His covers were both created and photographed by me.

Every artist has a unique creative process. What steps do you follow to create the product of your dreams?

My process is majorly about seeking and gathering. I spend days searching for small magazine clippings, before I’m ready to get started. Next, I cut everything out with the same scissors I’ve used for the past 10 years. The third step is almost like laying down wallpaper in several pieces, I adhere the pieces to a wood panel, while focusing on juxtaposition and balance. I hardly ever know when the piece is complete, but eventually, something just clicks and I feel like “ok, I’m ready to share this with the world now”. The last step is to coat it with high-gloss resin. I learned this via YouTube and it has taken years for me to nail it. This just adds a layer of sophistication to my otherwise very raw creations.

Every creative entrepreneur goes through highs and lows in their journey. What helped you in overcoming challenges?

I’ve had many highs and lows in my career as in my life. Luckily, nothing ever made me lose faith. It's a very tough pill to swallow when someone speaks negatively about my art because they are essentially all large pieces of me, but art is subjective and that’s hugely important to keep in mind.

It’s all about the journey at the end of the day and that has shaped my life and art as a whole. Looking back, I feel such a sense of pride for how much I have overcome to arrive at this point in my career. Many people around me pursued traditional avenues of work and life which did not resonated with me so I took a sharp turn and walked in the opposite direction.

Of course, it was difficult and I felt challenged at times. I stayed in D.C. for some time after everyone left, then lived in Austin, Texas where I was essentially alone and without any connections. Yet, I pushed on and found a small workhouse where I shared my work, and trust me, it was far from glamorous, but it was this moment that I am most proud of. I threw caution to the wind and pursued what truly made me happy. Only a few years later, after my art started to fill the walls of hotels and restaurants in the area, I found myself driving to Florida in a minivan filled with art to start my next journey. Miami has been all that I had hoped for and more. However, for every moment of success, I never forget the countless failures, empty shows, and doubt that surrounded my early career. In the end, it is those moments that have allowed me to persevere despite the challenges and I am forever grateful.

What else can we see coming from your creative mind this year? Where can our readers reach out to you?

I am currently speaking with a client about creating my first mural, which has been a huge goal for me. My brand is constantly evolving and now stands in a powerful place. Over the years, I have evolved so much as an artist and person. My brand represents all forms of expression immersed in pop culture. I have found that you can inspire change and promote independence while still creating joy through collage and that is what I continue to strive to create with all of my viewers.

Katy Hirschfeld On Creating Collage Garage And Designing The World Of Her Dreams

By: Subarhi Verma

Our audience loves to read stories of women creating a positive change in the world. Please tell us about yourself and your area of work.

About me, I’m very much ME. And I hope that that rings loud to all women around the world, each and every one of my pieces is a large part of me screaming “This is me”. In a world where so much is crazy, I’m trying to feel a little less so, and these pieces give me the outlet to do so. I grew up in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where my thirst for creativity and expression began. Ever since I can remember, my mother (a free-spirited woman who was an artist as well) encouraged me to reach beyond normalcy and pursue my own form of artistic dialogue.

Every artist starts his/ her journey from a point of inspiration. What inspired you in the first place to create?

At the age of five, I began collaging and the rest is history. I am yet to stop. I love how limitless collages are. There are truly no boundaries, which is how art should be for the artist and the viewer. It’s really amazing to be able to create various plots and subplots in my work and manipulate them as I go along. Furthermore, I appreciate the fragmented approach — it reflects the way my mind works on a daily basis, focusing on a bunch of little things at once to form a larger picture or thought. I went to Seattle on a teen tour many years ago. I was there for one day and it really led to my style. I fell in love with the grunge aesthetic and from that point on I wanted to replicate that vibe and try to instill it in my work as much as possible.

How has your business grown over the years? What services do you currently provide?

I offer handmade collages coated in high-gloss resin, custom collages (digital or handmade), and many products such as blankets, phone covers, and apparel. I also do collaged surfboards.

I studied politics in college and had a photography elective. That changed my life forever. The space and time to create left me salivating for more. I would spend every night in the darkroom, I never wanted to leave. I knew then that creating was not something I wanted to do, it was something I’ve always been and always will be compelled to do. It’s a compulsion, if I’m not creating, I’m not fulling being me.

What does your day-to-day schedule look like?

My day-to-day has been something I’m still trying to perfect. Working from home and being your own boss regardless of what’s going on in the real world, is not easy. I try very hard to stick to a routine, I work until I feel I need a breather, then I either go for a run or search for more collaging material. Then I’m back to work.

What advice would you like to give to other artists that might help them to flourish in this field?

As far as advice, it’s so important to be yourself, it’s the most important, anyone can make art but not anyone can do it in the way that you, uniquely, can. Being yourself is the piece of advice I could have told my 14-year-old self every year, once a year. Also, be your own advocate, shameless self-promotion isn’t actually shameless, it’s respectable when you have confidence in yourself.

Where can our audience find your work?

My work is on my Instagram @katyilana and website www.collage-garage..com

What can we see coming next from your creative genius?

I’m currently working on a mural, details will be released soon.

Meet Katy Hirschfeld: Collage Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katy Hirschfeld and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katy, how do you think about risk?

One of the most meaningful aspects of art, becoming an artist, and evolving as an artist is taking that risk. Everything about art is risky. Since Art is a subjective science, I can’t guarantee who will appreciate it, that’s the risk I take, and I create anyway, which is really liberating, knowing that someone may hate it, but feeling confident enough to continue and lose myself in creating anyway. That takes confidence. Risk taking takes confidence. I think about risk as something you embrace to truly be yourself. 

I also believe risk brings you closer to your dreams. I took a risk getting into art in the first place….I had a pretty conventional upbringing and had majored in sociology/politics in college. My first real job was for a law firm. During this job I found myself using their scanner and printer for things to use in my collages. While this was a great experience. I just wasn’t happy, I felt each day was just another day fading into another and nothing was very fulfilling to me. This led me to one of the biggest risks, I quit my job, made a website and started cold calling galleries. This risk required me to let go of everything comfortable and familiar to me. I had to move back home with my parents and basically start from scratch. Such a risk led me to so much unfamiliarity, such as moving to a new state completely alone, something I believe changed my life and art for the better. The upside of this risk has been exponentially positive. Each day, whether making money or not, I was fulfilled and felt that this was what it meant to be living life. I would never know when my next paycheck was coming, but this discomfort did not outweigh the genuine happiness and life I found myself living. Aside from the initial risks taken, everyday spent creating is a risk in and of itself. I never know what other people will say or feel about my art and being that each piece is a genuine extension of me this could lead to a lot of hurt. I’m okay risking this huge piece of myself to share something that may resonate with others and if it doesn’t, at least I cleared my side of the street so to speak. Lastly, the risk of art being all consuming has come into play. I’ve spent sleepless nights, ignoring my family, friends, and compulsively honing in on my craft. This is a risk that I’ve learned to appreciate and control. Art, like life, can be the greatest gift once letting go and accepting the risks that come with it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I basically “seek and gather” things that resonate with me for whatever reason; in magazines, books and whatever else I can get my hands on. I collect these clippings and then, ultimately, make a piece of art using all of them. Each piece is an expression of my personal outlook and true life experiences. I consider all of my creations to be puzzles, the only challenge is that i don’t know what the image of that puzzle is upon starting, so i organically see what unfolds as I piece things together and slowly, more clarity comes as I immerse into the flow of the piece, a theme immerses and more meaning become apparent even if just to me. Almost as if I make it up as I go until I see what the puzzle was meant to look like. However, the most difficult thing about this process is knowing when it’s finished. My most meaningful piece was about a year ago. One of my collectors wanted a piece that was 100% composed of his life. We spent an entire day in his childhood home and I photographed everything from his musical instruments to childhood art projects etc. that he had. I had over 3000 photos developed and was able to make a collage using all of them.. Not only was I a collage artist but I also got to be the photographer for this one.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami is the perfect city for me because it has a mind of its own. there’s nowhere else just like Miami and for that, I believe this is where I’m meant to be. Honing in on that further, it is so diverse, fun, beautiful, and artistic in and of itself from the art deco history to Wynwood’s walls. Therefore, I would take them to South Beach, Wynwood, Overtown, and Coconut Grove. All places laced with a meaningful history.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends deserve a lot of credit for the absolute endless support. I also owe a lot to the City of Austin, Tx. The culture and people enabled me to really come out of my shell as an artist and person on my own terms.

Creative Minds

CREATIVE MINDS

If you've been contemplating adding new pieces to your art collection this year, you may want to consider some of the local Miami artists we've gathered to take your aesthetic up.

Katy L. Hirschfeld

“THE MOST INSPIRING THINGS TO ME ARE FEARLESSNESS, STRENGTH, KNOWLEDGE, SELF-AWARENESS AND INDIVIDUALITY. THESE ARE QUALITIES I VALUE MOST AND STRIVE TO INCORPORATE INTO MY WORK AND MY LIFE.”

Only 4 years old when she created her first “masterpiece,” Katy L. Hirschfeld recalls the day vividly. “My parents had left me with a babysitter who was a bit preoccupied so I decided to use a permanent marker and make a ‘mural’ on almost every wall in my home,” she says, mentioning that after a brief outrage, her parents decided to leave one of the murals intact and still have it on display to this day. “This was a monumental experience for me because it showed from an early age that I could use art as an outlet and a way to express myself, while also asserting my independence.” In terms of her process, she says she basically “seeks and gathers” things that resonate with her for one reason or another — magazines, books and whatever else she can get her hands on. “I consider all of my creations to be puzzles,” she says. “I organically see what unfolds as I piece things together and slowly, more clarity comes as I immerse into the flow of the piece.”

Curated Masterpieces

Meet a few standout local Miami artists who are turning heads and ensuring their work gets into the hands of the right art lovers looking to amp up their collections this season and beyond.

by: Jorge Arauz

10 Ridiculously Expensive Things That Jersey Shore's JWoww Has Bought

Jennifer Lynn Farley, popularly known as JWoww, enjoyed fame on reality TV. Here are some of the interesting things a life of privilege bought her.

Jennifer Lynn Farley, popularly known as JWoww, has taken the help of the American television industry to climb up the ladder of success. At the beginning of her career, her personality was highlighted as a special casting in Jersey Shore, the MTV reality show.

The lifestyle of celebrities has always been the talk of the town and the fans are always eager to pay attention to every single detail that makes a difference in the life of their dream personalities. All in all, JWoww is no exception when we talk about captivating television stars in the United States of America.

10/10

JWoww's Astonishing Wall-Art

Jennifer Farley is well-known for her striking appearance and she maintains the same standards within the walls of her home. She hired Katy Hirschfeld from Florida to have her walls look amazingly stunning and unique. JWoww is very selective when it comes to the interior decoration of her home.

This mixed media art called "Modern Rebel" is unique and cost a lot of money. In fact, her daughter also praises these wall arts to a great extent. There is no doubt that celebrities often indulge in distinctive interior decorations and JWoww is no different.

Art & Life with Katy Hirschfeld

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Hirschfeld.

Katy, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up In NJ but ended up in Miami by way of Austin TX. I have been collaging since I was about 5 and never really stopped. A neighbor of mine taught me in her basement and most of what she taught me all those years ago are still the techniques I use and keep in mind to this day. My friends and family members used to be annoyed with me because during every movie I would be heard flipping through books or magazines and tearing and ripping compulsively. It wasn’t until after college that it took off into the career that it is today. Ironically, I didn’t study art since the age of 5 I simply just never stopped working on it and evolving it as I grew, matured, and evolved myself.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My collages are often influenced by my personal outlook and true life experiences. I share a fraction of my own little world, by promoting strength, knowledge, and self-awareness to overcome social flux and challenges; learning from them through the art of mixed media. Culled from the social consciousness and current events of today, each of my pieces features a different cultural comment viewed through the lens of my experiences. The simple overlapping of many small pieces, arranged in just the right way speaks volumes, touching on issues implicitly without being overbearing or sanctimonious. My work tends to stand as a viewers’ test, challenging what one sees versus what they feel in relation to the contemporary pits, progress, and powers affecting as all.

Each of my collages goes through a series of steps. 1st is the seeking and gathering phase where I go through magazines and basically hunt for items that I think will flow together. 2nd I start to lay down the clippings using wallpaper adhesive and the same scissors I’ve been using since I started. 3rd I seal and varnish the piece once I’m satisfied and add some acrylic, ink, and spray paint. Lastly, I mix resin and hardener, lay it down and use a heat gun to get rid of air bubbles.

Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
MIAMI has been an incredible place for art. There are so many resources and such a supportive community of us here that genuinely care and want to help each other out which is very refreshing and encouraging. It’s never easy as an artist, and there’s always ups and downs. I think social media is a big help today.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My Instagram is the most updated way @Katyilana

Teen Vogue

Dormify Collaborates with ArtSugar on Collection Benefiting Girls Who Code

by: Emma Sarran Webster

Some Assembly Required - An interview with collage artist Katy Hirschfeld

To take something that is already “complete” and see something completely different in it, disassemble it, and remix it into something new takes a sharp eye, a steady hand, and an open mind. Katy Hirschfeld, collage artist and founder of Collage Garage has all three.

We were drawn to her style, her attention to detail, and the way she doesn’t hesitate to remix the world around her. We sat down with her to talk about her process, her fans all over the world, and the piece she created for Derbby. — Jason Markow/TEKSTartist.

INTRO

IAC: Tell us a bit about your story. Where did you grow up? How did that affect you as a creative?

Katy: I grew up in a small beach town in New Jersey, where my thirst for creativity and expression began. Every since I can remember, my mother (a free-spirited woman who was an artist as well) encouraged me to reach beyond normalcy and pursue my own form of artistic dialogue. At the age of five, I began collaging and the rest is history. I have to yet to stop.

Did you always want to be an artist when you grew up?

I always wanted to be an artist when I grew up, but I wasn’t sure whether I would become a full-time artist until I moved to Austin, Texas, and finally understood how powerful my ability was to share my art with so many different cultures and people.

What other forms of art are you drawn to?

I love street art. I also love hyperrealism such as Kevin Peterson. I have so much respect for an artist who gets everything perfectly. It takes so much patience and endurance, although personally, I focus more on imperfection in my work, as it closer resembles the society we live in.

YOUR STYLE

What influenced your passion for collage-style art?

I love how limitless collages are. There are truly no boundaries, which is how art should be for the artist and the viewer. It’s really amazing to be able to create various plots and subplots in my work and manipulate them as I go along. Furthermore, I appreciate the fragmented approach — it reflects the way my mind works on a daily basis, focusing on a bunch of little things at once to form a larger picture or thought.

I went to Seattle on a teen tour many years ago. I was there for one day and it really led to influence my style. I fell in love with the grunge aesthetic and from that point on I wanted to replicate that vibe and try to instill it in my work as much as possible.

Can you tell us more about the piece “City”? What inspired you to create this design?

I created this piece to reflect my experience living in New York City, which I believe is consistent with the experiences of many others. The theme captures the chaos that surrounds the city, but once you really immerse yourself in the chaos and the city, you find the true beauty that lies throughout.

Is there an underlying theme or message you’re trying to get across to fans with this design?

It is so easy to get overwhelmed in today’s society. The underlying theme is that we can all take a step back, gain perspective, and truly appreciate beauty in even the most chaotic of surroundings.

What magazines or mediums tend to provide the best source imagery?

As you can imagine, I’ve worked with a lot of magazines and mediums in my works. I oftentimes find the best magazines to be the ones I least expect to find something in. However, I always find myself incorporating more independent and high fashion magazines such as “The Last Magazine”. I refer to magazines as my “paint” and my hands are the brush. I also love finding old international magazines to add to the mystique of my works.

Describe your art in 3 words

Progressive, imperfect, and thought-provoking.

AUDIENCE

Has your experience with social media affected your art?

It’s really been a useful resource. Due to my Facebook page and Instagram account I have connected with clients in Sweden, Australia, London, and Hong Kong. I also met my mentor via Instagram who has really helped me excel with my career and has provided me with some great opportunities.

Do you feel that it’s important for artists to engage with their audience/fans?

It is very important and I believe an artist has a duty to engage with their audience/fans. I always enjoy hearing from my clients and fans and being able to communicate with them about my art. I really love hearing so many different and interesting interpretations and opinions on my art.

PERSONAL

Sometimes I feel like we’re all just kids walking around in adult bodies. What advice would you give to your 15 year old self?

Learn… learn everything you possibly can. Learn in school and embrace challenges. Take everything, no matter how difficult it may seem, as a learning experience and a chance to become a better person. Life is too short to have regrets or be afraid to be yourself. Also, don’t try to force anything. Everything happens for a reason… and also to always try hard to have faith in the universe.

Do you have a favorite quote?

“ I May not be read well, but I do read well.” — Kurt Cobain

Katy Hirschfeld: The Austin-Based Artist Behind 'Collage Garage'

BY JILLIAN SCHEINFEL

Anyone can cut out words and pictures from a magazine and paste them on paper (or pin them on Pinterest boards). In fact, ‘collaging’ is the one art form many of us design-handicapped people can easily partake in. But while you always hear about professional painters, photographers, and illustrators, rarely do you stumble upon the term ‘professional collager.’

Cue 25-year-old Katy Hirschfeld, a crafty and quixotic Austin-based mixed media artist who brings this underrated art form to life every day with the website Collage Garage.

Where did you grow up and what did you study in college?

I grew up in New Jersey—on the Jersey Shore, actually. I studied Middle Eastern Conflict Resolution, Sociology, Judaic Studies and New Media in college.

How did your interest in art develop?

I’ve been into art since I was about three years old. It was important to my mom, who was an art therapist. My neighbor was an art teacher so I learned a lot from her as well.

How did the idea for Collage Garage originate?

I had made so many collages over the years that were just sitting in my room. I was really bored and hated my job at the time, so I thought I should make a website with the collages. I’m really into gritty things, and usually when I create collages there’s stuff all over the place, resembling a garage. It rhymed, and I thought it was something memorable.

Where do you draw inspiration for your work?

Life experiences and things I find aesthetically pleasing. I’m obsessed with street art, the 1990s, and all things kind of seedy.

What are some common themes that run throughout your work?

I like to include certain Jewish words and symbols like Jewish stars, or a reference to a Jewish holiday. Themes of feminism, angst, and Jewish pride run through my work. I don’t believe in gender norms so I play around with that theme in a lot of my art as well—the piece I did called “Always Wins” was a like medicine during a horrible break up. I think I got over it the day I finished the collage.

What are the basic materials you need to make a good collage?

Spray paint, Mod Podge, varnish, vintage magazines, ink, and scissors.

How long does it take to finish a collage?

It definitely ranges. If I don’t like what I’m doing it can take me up to a year; I have collages lying around everywhere. I don’t enjoy doing it if it doesn’t come naturally and it’s a struggle, but the ones I love doing take me about 3 days.

How is collaging different than other art forms?

My mind is so chaotic that I usually don’t like sticking to just one main subject, so I think that’s the best part. I always have to incorporate other related words or feelings to whatever piece I’m making even if that piece is focused on one theme in particular. There’s a full range of emotions in all of my pieces.

Who are some artists you look up to?

I obviously love Andy Warhol. Derek Gores is one of my idols. He makes collages that almost look like real pictures; they’re so neat and precise I don’t know how he does it. I also really like Jean-Michel Basquiat, and I sweat every street artist.

What decade would you stay to live in forever?

I’d like to live in the mid-to-late-1990’s—preferably 1994 onward. Or I’d just like to live as Andy Warhol’s apprentice.

How has Judaism affected your life and work?

The history of Judaism, as well as references to the underdog coming out strong in the end, is a theme I carry through all of my work. I have a huge amount of Jewish pride and I think that’s visible in several of my pieces.

My grandparents were early settlers in Israel, and I think above all else, even art, I’m a lover of Israel. Studying abroad there was a time in my life I refer to as blissful. Contributing to and advocating for Israel and the Jewish people is extremely important to me.

Do you speak any Hebrew?

Ktzat! My dad was born in Israel—I like to call myself Israeli because I had to get an Israeli passport when I studied abroad there, because being first generation makes you an Israeli citizen. It sounds cool!

I know you live in Austin. What’s the art scene like?

It’s the best art scene. All of the artists are so helpful to each other, and a lot of artists are interesting in collaborating with me, which is exciting. I have a few collaborations in the works here.

Are you a full time artist/collager?

I’m an artist’s assistant too, but I’m basically an artist full-time. I want to go back to school because I don’t know how to paint for the life of me. I get frustrated that I have a limit to what I can do artistically.

Lots of your pieces have women’s faces as the focus. What is it about the female face that fascinates you?

It was the first thing I learned how to draw. If you look at my old art from when I was nine or 10 years old, you’ll find lots of girls’ faces with little thought bubbles above their heads. I think they are all reflections of me and whatever I was feeling at the time.

Who’s at your dream dinner table, living or dead?

Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kurt Cobain, Golda Meir, Martin Bell and my two older sisters.