From Turpentine to Papercutting: My Creative Journey

Childhood Memories: Where It All Began

Every time I smell turpentine and cigarette smoke, I’m instantly transported back to my father’s studio in Plovdiv, the most beautiful place of my childhood. I spent hours there, immersed in sensations that still evoke precious memories of that carefree time.

I would sit next to him, watching him paint and listening to the passionate and lively discussions he had with his artist friends. Those moments, so full of life, shaped my path toward the world of art. They are memories I hold dear, tied to a happy and curious little girl.

 

The Academic Journey: Between Art and Survival

My academic journey took me through essential stages that helped shape my creative identity. At the Art School in Ljubljana, I learned to imagine and create clothes, acquiring solid technical foundations.

At the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice and Rome, I discovered theory and experimentation, but above all, I learned the art of getting by and surviving. Finally, at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia, I had the privilege of being part of a very selective group. It was a school of excellence, where cinema is not only studied but also created.

 

After Studies: A Creative and Personal Journey

After finishing my studies, my professional life took a less linear, but no less meaningful, direction. I explored new techniques and projects, alternating between my work as a costume designer, illustrator, and artisan. My theater and film collaborations intertwined with more personal projects, reflecting my eclectic and, at times, anarchic creative identity.

Being a mother has enriched and transformed my view of the world and my work, teaching me patience, intuition, and the ability to adapt. These years have been crucial to my artistic evolution.

 

Burano: The Artistic Refuge and the Discovery of Papercutting

The island of Burano became my artistic refuge, where I was able to deepen my passion for papercutting, an art form that intertwines tradition and modern techniques. In recent years, negative space has taken center stage in my research. Drawing with voids, where what is not represented becomes the protagonist, has transformed my approach to minimalism.

I moved from complex shades to essential minimalism, focused on the balance between full and empty surfaces, where lines disappear, leaving space for the interplay between fullness and void. This exploration brought me back to the aesthetics of Gothic architecture and Venetian lace, where negative space is not an absence but an element that gives form and meaning.

 

Papercutting and Upcycling: Giving New Life to Paper

Papercutting, for me, is not only an artistic journey but also a form of upcycling. Bringing new life to old paper, a material often overlooked, is an integral part of my work. Paper, omnipresent and easily obtainable, hides unexpected beauty.

Through my work, I make this material more durable and resilient, transforming it into pieces that reflect not only minimalist aesthetics but also a commitment to sustainability. My approach to papercutting is, in fact, a way to combine maximum visual expression with a rediscovery of the artisanal value of paper.

 

Welcome to my first post, where the journey through my art and reflections begins. I hope to share with you inspirations, ideas, and discoveries. Thank you for being here.

Vera Pavlova