Ep # 47: Beyond the Bindings: Exploring Artistic Narrative with Conny Gölz Schmitt
In this episode, we delve into the spunky, bright, and warm world of Conny Goelz Schmitt, a renowned collage artist and sculptor whose work is deeply influenced by her rich multicultural experiences. Conny's journey spans continents, from her upbringing in Germany to her time in Taiwan and eventual settling in the United States. She seamlessly integrates elements of her diverse cultural background through her art, drawing inspiration from German artistry's meticulous attention to detail, the vibrant retro aesthetics of 1980s Taiwan, and the boundless creativity of the American pioneering spirit.
Her profound connection with vintage books lies at the core of Conny's artistic expression. She shares her evolution from 2D collages to intricate 3D sculptures, experimenting with various levels of complexity and materials such as wallpaper and enamel. Despite exploring different mediums, Conny's unwavering dedication to books as her primary medium remains unwavering. For her, books serve as a conduit for time travel, bridging the past with the future and igniting a continuous stream of creative ideas.
During our conversation, Conny reflects on her recent residency in Pouch Cove, delving into the projects she worked on and the inspiration she drew from the serene coastal surroundings. We explore the underlying reasons behind her choice of books as a medium and her profound attachment to them, prompting her to question the essence of her creative journey and the inexhaustible wellspring of ideas that fuels her passion.
Finally, we discuss Conny's unique perspective on cultural similarities from her immersive experiences in Germany, Taiwan, and the United States. Through her keen observations, she unveils unexpected connections that transcend geographical boundaries, highlighting the universal language of art that resonates across diverse cultures.
Conny is a joy, and I hope you enjoy this conversation!
Topics discussed:
Cultural Fusion in Art
The Timeless Medium of Vintage Books
Exploring Creativity and Collaboration
About Conny:
Conny Goelz Schmitt is a collage artist and sculptor who spent her youth in Germany, moved to Taiwan in her twenties, and relocated to the US in 1996. Having been immersed in three very different cultures, she is drawn to hard-edge painting influenced by the German “attention to detail”, the retro color palette reminiscent of Taiwan in the 80s, and the often experimental and creative pioneering spirit of Americans. Her medium of choice is, almost without exception, the vintage book.
In Germany, she studied Sinology and German Literature at Eberhard Karls University in Tuebingen. She was named Sculptor of the Year by the Chief Curator of Boston University, Kate McNamara, in CAA’s 69th Members’ Prize Show. In 2016, Paul C. Ha, Director of the List Visual Art Center at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, selected her work for the Best Multi-Media Prize in CAA’s National Prize Show. She was awarded a fellowship to the Vermont Studio Center for 2020.
Besides exhibiting at Kathryn Markel Fine Arts, New York, NY, and Hidell Brooks Gallery in Charlotte, her work has been featured at Galerie Biesenbach, Cologne (Germany), the Cultural Association of Rosa Venerini, Viterbo (Italy), The Painting Center, New York, Site: Brooklyn, New York, The Danforth Art Museum, Framingham, MA, among others.
Conny has a studio in Beverly, Massachusetts.
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