We were lucky to catch up with Marina Yermakova Timm recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marina, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

There are 3 main parts of the collage process: cutting, composition, and gluing. I’ve loved cutting paper since I was a child. I spend a lot of time cutting different shapes out of a variety of paper and it’s almost a meditative process. The eyes are focused on the line and the hand holding the scissors follows until the shape is complete. Glueing requires the right (for you) adhesive and precision. I use a permanent spray adhesive which doesn’t really allow room for mistakes. It’s rather stressful but quick and with practice, it becomes the easiest part of assembling a collage. Composition, however, is the hardest, longest, mystical part of the work. It does not get easier or faster as the years pass. It is as rewarding as it is frustrating and is never in my control. Inspiration is in charge of the composition and the artist is at its mercy, I suppose. Self doubt, apathy, and lack of inspiration are enough to extinguish one’s creativity and are the biggest obstacles to learning and producing work.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was born and raised in Soviet Russia and immigrated to the US at the age of seventeen. The Soviet aesthetic, however, is forever cemented in my mind and is very evident in my work. What I consider to be my creative intuition was formed by exposure to Soviet art, advertising, signage, architecture. The work of Russian Constructivists and Futurists of the early 20th century is what I find most inspiring and interesting. I strive to create work which isn’t derivative of my influences but is a tribute to them. I think that my goal is to create work which is capable of creating a quiet understanding and a sort of bond with the viewer. Through collage I aim to express thoughts and feelings which I know I don’t have the words for and hope they will be “heard”.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think a lot of creatives have also internalized the non-creative notion that everything you make has to have commercial value or to be marketed and monetized. We obviously rely on our artistic skills to make a living but that type of thinking can steal the joy and love we have for your craft.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I have a general remark on rejection letters many of us accumulate over the years. The longest creative break I took came after a string of rejection letters from galleries I submitted my work to. It was demoralizing, discouraging, and – as I was assured in every letter – not personal. There is nothing else to do but to try to scrape up some courage and confidence to get you through until your next win comes and it will, it always does.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @timm.marina

Image Credits
Jozo Zovko