“I try to give an impressive glimpse of what the beautiful world looks like through my eyes and imagination,” says paper wall artist Olga Skorokhod.
Olga Skorokhod studied art for six years and then she got a Master’s Degree with Honors of Fine Arts and Decorative and Applied Arts at the NTUU KPI in Kyiv, Ukraine. She majored in graphic art/printed product design. Her paper wall art has been featured in exhibitions worldwide and is in private collections in more than 15 countries.
Paper is Olga’s canvas for expressing her imagination. “Paper is a wonderful, flexible material with which you can create an unlimited number of stunning textures and designs,” she says. All of Olga’s artworks have the illusion of 3D because of the paper sculpture techniques she uses.
Paper Wall Art Inspired by Nature’s Fascinating Beauty
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Paper wall artist in the making
It seemed to me that everyone knows how to draw.
Olga was nine years old when she went on a summer vacation to a camp in Germany with a group of children. She could easily redraw any illustrations from books, and people who saw them were surprised that she could do it. “They asked me what art school I was studying at and for how long,” she recalls, “but I didn’t have an answer to their questions because I was self-taught.”
One of Olga’s supervisors was an art teacher. When she noticed her talent, she recommended that she attend art school. “My childhood and six years of very strict education in art school instilled in me a love of work,” she says. “My first art teacher always said: ‘Don’t waste your time on thinking what to draw, think with a pencil on your paper.’ Since childhood, I’ve learned that the main trick is to start working even if you don’t have any ideas. Sometimes I push myself to work and don’t know what the finished product will be. Instead, I let my feelings dictate the cutting, and then I get the energy and inspiration during the process.”
Rhythmic connections between space and shape
Olga is currently working on a series of abstract works that showcase strong rhythmic connections between space and shape, which are enhanced by the ability of the white surface to adapt to its environment and reflect colors. The artworks are made up of rectangles in a chaotic order that is connected to the surface at different angles.
Each rectangle has one white side and the reverse side of some other vivid color. The vibrant color side of the rectangle creates soft pastel color reflection on the white side of other rectangles. This way, the color tint comes from different directions mixing together and creating beautiful gradients. These colors will grab your attention and stand out from their surroundings, while the pastel side of artwork has a peaceful, calming, and sophisticating effect on you.
A legacy of influence with art
“I understand that becoming famous for my artwork can take a lifetime,” says Olga, “and I work on this pretty hard every day. Fortunately, I found my own distinct style, so I hope that I eventually become known for it and everyone would know that it’s mine, even if my name wasn’t on it.” According to her, it’s also important to preserve your artistic legacy by building a comprehensive inventory as you go and by documenting your life’s work and story. She takes photos of all her works and records videos of the creating process and shares them on her social media.
Today, several students have written their diplomas and doctorates based on Olga’s works. Many teachers show her paper wall art to their students to inspire them to create art out of paper. “There’s no greater way to create a legacy than to influence others with your art and encourage people to create.”
paper, LED light, foam board, 20 x 20 x 1.75 in
Olga Skorokhod’s paper art style
Olga experimented with different techniques and materials while she was in Ukraine in hopes of finding her own art style. But it wasn’t until she completely stepped out of her comfort zone and moved to the U.S. that she eventually found it. Since she had a small budget and couldn’t afford paint and canvas, she started working with the most affordable printer paper. It turns out paper was exactly what Olga has been looking for because she always liked monochromatic high textured artworks, and cutting by hand was a form of healing meditation for her. That is how Olga Skorokhod’s paper art journey began.
Olga has something to say to you
“Never give up.”
“It’s very important to stay productive. Don’t be afraid of failure and do as many experiments as possible. If you are inspired by some artist and want to create something similar, I recommend you make it your own way. It doesn’t matter what materials and tools you use. You need to be more patient than talented. Being a professional artist isn’t only creating when you’re ‘inspired’. It’s something you work at every day, whether it’s studying, sketching your ideas, or creating new work.”
To see Olga’s latest artwork, visit Saatchi Art >
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What do you think?