TAPPAN

Regarding your method of making, is it a case of the material or method dictating the idea of the other way around?

OVSKA

Definitely the material dictates the method. Each type of paper has its own properties, advantages and disadvantages and requires a different approach, so I think the idea comes with the material. The recycled materials carry a history of their own, making a character of an artwork. Those subtle imperfections often act as a starting point of the composition of a collage.

TAPPAN

What’s the first thing you do when you begin formulating an idea for a piece?

OVSKA

I don't plan and think what to work on next. One work usually leads to the next. I often use cuttings and remainders from previous works to form the basis of each new series. Since I use upcycled materials I usually have a limited amount of a certain paper, so I always try to use as much as I can of it.

A part of my process is making small, simple drawings, writing down short notes on colors and scents, emotions and feelings about a particular event, place or object I had an interaction with, making videos, underlining some lines in books, which at the beginning make no sense to me but eventually it all adds up.

TAPPAN

Tell us about an artist whose career you admire?

OVSKA

Marina Abramovic – as a woman, as an artist, her life story and her work fascinate and touch me deeply. I have just started reading her memoir ‘Walk Through Walls’ for the second time. Few years ago I also had a chance to see a great retrospective exhibition of her works at the Center for Contemporary Art in Torun in Poland, near my hometown. I remember the feeling when I left as if it were yesterday. I was in awe. I get goosebumps when I think of it. That was an unforgettable experience.

TAPPAN

What is the arts community like in your city?

OVSKA

Berlin is full of creatives and I feel really blessed that so many of my friends are passionate about what they do. Some are music producers or DJs, designers, architects, restorers, pastry chefs but also young entrepreneurs that just try to bring their ideas to life. We help each other along, share our trials and tribulations. It‘s crucial and interesting for all of us I think. I just wish I would be more attentive to the art community events. That‘s something I need to work on.

TAPPAN

If you could have a drink with one artist, who would it be?

OVSKA

Georgia O‘Keeffe

TAPPAN

What is one artist living or dead you feel a great connection to?

OVSKA

Claire Oswalt, a contemporary abstract artist from Austin. I‘m full of admiration for her earlier watercolor collages as well as her painted textile works. Those biomorphic forms in sandy neutrals, blushing pinks, watery blues with emerald greens – I can't describe my awe in words.

TAPPAN

Tools or mediums you’re dying to experiment with?

OVSKA

Working with fabrics and wood really fascinates me. I would like to explore it in a different way than I did before when I was running a small business specializing in restoring and selling mid-century furniture. I would love to create a series of furniture or objects. Something sculptural but meant to be used, at once practical and aesthetic.

TAPPAN

Have the cities you’ve lived in influenced your practice?

OVSKA

I have lived before in Barcelona and Milan. Both cities introduced me to decorative arts, antiques, beautiful interiors, well dressed people and lots of art. The Joan Miro Foundation in Barcelona moved me deeply. I was truly enamored with his paintings, drawings, sketches and sculptures – his playful colors, whimsy shapes and a very deliberate way of using black and white for contrast.

TAPPAN

What’s next?

OVSKA

A spacious studio with lots of daylight and paper works in big formats! I‘m constantly looking for new ways of expression. I‘m curious where it will lead me and my art. I also have work in an upcoming group show in Wiesbaden, Germany. I‘m looking forward to it.