Eve Bazylewicz

To me, collage is about embracing the clutter, chaos, and uncertainty…. digging in, letting go, and going with the flow. I love launching from a simple idea like having a single word prompt from an online collage challenge, a photo from somewhere I recently traveled, a song lyric, or just an emotion that needs to come out on paper.

I generally start analog with tactile materials. Sticky fingers and and a creative mess all around me are my starting point. Remember this phrase? “Everything worth knowing I learned in Kindergarten”. That spirit is at the heart of my work. Often I’ll add digital flourishes to finish an analog piece. I love a little sparkle and glow… perhaps the eternal optimist in me.

My work is often a kitchen sink of collected and repurposed scraps: old collages, painted papers, fabric samples, and random objects I’ve found or dug out of my archives. If it is worn, frayed, or belonged to my grandmother, I’m probably going to find a way to use it. Did I mention I love rusted metal?

Certain themes naturally find their way into my work:

Let’s face it, in America today, the POLITICAL CLIMATE simply cannot be ignored.

RESILIENCE & INDIVIDUALITY are often represented through images of Frida Kahlo. I am also drawn to the EYE as a symbol of seeking deeper meaning, intuition, and curiosity - a reminder to look more closely, trust what you see and feel, be yourself, and create for the love of creating.

MUSIC & DANCE are my happy place. They saved me, shaped me, and have been part of my life for as long as I can remember.

A constant I love about collage is discovering the the unexpected connection between seemingly unrelated things, and just letting the journey unfold. It is a pleasure to discover the unique voice and individuality of all the amazing artists sharing their vision through online platforms like this one.

We all have an individual and unique way of seeing and reflecting the world around us. I believe that the dance of ideas and visuals alchemized into collage is definitely worth celebrating!