We recently connected with Veronica Scharf and have shared our conversation below.
Veronica, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
In creativity, as in anything else, it’s always a good idea to take a break. Step away from what you’re making or writing. Take a walk or immerse yourself in art. Art museums are a great way to spend time with curated collections and gain some exposure to art history.
Many museums offer free days if you need to avoid admission fees. Additionally, galleries are an excellent, free way to view art. I insist on going in, even if the environment appears “rarefied” or somewhat elitist.
Some gallery workers may not acknowledge visitors properly, which can feel uncomfortable—ignore this! Go and focus on the art on the walls.
Also, try studying something new, such as biology or archaeology; there are so many free classes online that can enhance or “feed” your work. For example, ModPo through Coursera offers a fantastic program on poetry.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
These images are hand-painted watercolors from my new body of work titled “Between Two Seas”. Between the Ionian and Adriatic seas lies a beautiful, narrow stretch of land—a peninsula draped in rich soil: Salento. Olive trees, once proud, now vanish into the skyline, their withered limbs diseased and dead, framing the silhouette of a lone figure gazing into an empty horizon. A feline shape watches man-made fires that smolder across the edge of the world. The sea is the land, and the land is the sea; there are no borders from rocks to roots to water. Newly planted olive tree saplings now sprinkle the landscape in beautiful Salento, Italy.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Be Patient
2. Avoid Self Criticism
3. Seek Useful Feedback from Others
4. Never Give Up
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
Actually, I think it’s best to lean into your existing strengths. If you’re a dentist, try sculpture. If you work in construction, try making things out of bricks or plaster, or even experiment with rebar. Sandpaper and gravel can also be used creatively. If you’re a carpenter, try creating unusual shapes with wood. If you sew, try making oversized quilts or stitching together repurposed clothing. If you like working with plants and soil, try a ceramics class; I recommend hand-building rather than wheel-throwing. Clay is a wonderful way to nurture creativity!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://veronicascharf.com
- Instagram: verogoart
- Facebook: veronica scharf garcia
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