Collage maker Joel Schillig in the spotlight
Where are you from, Joel?
Originally from Dorset, England, I moved to London in 2004. Since moving to London, I became obsessed with the city – aesthetically, historically and conceptually and I believe that it’s this obsession that helps create my work.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
One of my favourite things to do is to aimlessly walk through the city, soaking up my surroundings, being a part of it and enjoying all the architectural styles and nuances. Inspired by these walks, I started making collages a few years ago as an exercise in mindfulness and as a creative outlet. I see the city almost as a living, breathing entity as everything is in a constant state of flux and on the move, set against a seemingly endless cycle of demolition, destruction, rebuilding and reconstruction. When I create a collage, I echo this process – it can take hours for each piece to be completed as they often undergo many iterations before a composition is finalised.
Are there recurring styles in your work?
Whilst the collages I make are broadly abstract, people have remarked that they have the look of buildings or cityscapes – I very much enjoy that people can see many different things in them. Aesthetically, my work is inspired by brutalism, deconstructivism and modernism.
What do you strive to achieve in the future?
I want to keep exploring and seeing how the collages will develop aesthetically but I also am starting to look at other ways of creating. I’m in the process of exploring how to develop three-dimensional versions through model-making. People really do seem to enjoy these creations so I just want to keep going and make people happy.
Joel’s philosophy
Beauty and aesthetics don’t have to be conventional – my work is inspired by brutalism, destruction and regeneration; not the usual view of beauty by any stretch of the imagination.
Closing words
I’d just like to thank you at hardedger.com for giving me this platform and I hope that my work continues to bring joy to people that see it.
You’re welcome Joel and thank you too.
Instagram: @joelschillig
Web: joelschillig.com
