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