Conversations with Olga Pavlova

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olga Pavlova

Hi Olga, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m artist from California.
Originally from Russia. I have Master’s Degree in Fashion Design from prestigious university in Moscow. In Moscow, I worked in fashion industry and mass media for a long time, and have spent many years working with everything related to art and fashion. I collaborated with MTV channel, Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health magazines, worked as a fashion director for “Domash’nyi Ochag” magazine and at the same time participated in various exhibitions, competitions and festivals with my art work.

Due to the unfavourable political situation, my family and I were forced to leave Russia. My husband took the situation with the lack of freedom of speech in Russia very hard.

In 2019 we moved to California where my husband, two children and I had to start our lives all over again.
I decided to focus on my art career. I work as a painter and graphic designer , participated in exhibitions at local galleries and art fairs in South California. I am developing my social networks and looking to get more exposure of my works. Nonetheless, I have an online gallery and sales on Saatchi Art, Artmajeur and other online platforms.

Finding yourself in a new place as an immigrant and being forced to start all over again at 45 is a big challenge, and I use my art to share my feelings as I do not perfectly know nor understand English, art has been my saviour and an interpreter of my feeling to the public.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My career was flourishing back in Russia, a lot of career opportunities and big network of connections. And as good as it sounds nothing compares to my family’s safety and overall security. It was very challenging finding that feeling in Moscow, so we have decided as a family that SoCal is the way to go. Every immigrant goes through a lot of challenges that the new country has to offer, beginning with a new language and ending with the new tax process. Eventually you get used to your new life in a new country, and at that point try to grow in your own personal ways, rather than constantly worrying about piles of documents. It has been a rocky road but I and my family are trying our best at succeeding in this country, and believe that each and everyone in this country has an opportunity to succeed.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My creativity naturally grows out of my long experience in the fashion industry. I am fascinated by the beauty and transience of our world. Our world is so fragile, I would like to bring more awareness and goodness into the environment.

In creating my works, I use various techniques: a la prima, watercolour, large palette knife, spray paints also gold leafs. The technique of painting using gold is very old and interesting.
In my youth, I studied in detail how gold was used in religious painting and applied art. I love how this material gives any image a dreamlike effect.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I was struck by how helpful and friendly people in California are.
I collaborate with the wonderful people at the G Debrekht Artistic Studios. I help them in creating unique handmade things from wood and glass.
I would probably like to find interesting cooperation in fashion and clothing production, I have a lot of ideas about it.

Pricing:

• Pet portrait $100-500.
• Graphic $100-300.
• Fashion illustration $100
• Painting $500-1500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oplyart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oplyart?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083415174464&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1h4G3O0dfRpLw73WGuAqU0r5FImiEPnKhnhXH_19_NFU/edit

Image Credits
Photo Alina Nova and personal archive