Since an early age I soaked up everything – brought everything into focus with my camera. Initially I worked the photographs and other materials into a collage diary, especially when life was hurting. But at some stage I had to transgress beyond the limits of the book cover, develop something greater. The elaborate, surreal collages reflected my feelings: impulsive, intense and imaginative. The photo shoots kept increasing – spontaneous or by appointment. Attractive people, mostly women, and the wondrous encounters in the game with the camera became expressions of my mixed media works. After years of experimentation and study, I’ve found my means of expression: I combine my photography with painting, drawing, digital collage and mixed media.” Jaya Suberg
Jaya Suberg of Berlin, is a mixed media artist working in a wide range of 2 dimensional works. She combines photography with painting, drawing, and digital collage. She traveled to Venice during the summer to spend time with GAP (Global Arts Project). Carl Heyward, USA, is the founder of GAP, a collective of international artists that share a common aesthetic. This is the fourth international GAP residency and Jaya’s first hands-on encounter with the organization. This is an excerpt of the GAP IV interview with Jaya.
Carl Heyward, USA: GAP founder interview with Jaya Suberg
Carl: Jaya, tell us about your experience with GAP IV in Venice, Italy?
Jaya: I am not use to working with a group; normally I work alone. This was a challenge. I did not have my normal materials, and usually I work with big prints with my own photography. But, I was inspired with new ideas.
Carl: You brought new ideas to GAP. I’ve admired your work for a long time and I am happy we are meeting face to face.
Jaya: Thank you
Carl: I can appreciate the challenges in working in a group. One of the things I said that made you laugh was that GAP is a group of people, who typically do not like groups. When I look at the pieces that you created during GAP, what is this moment that you have captured here in your art?
Jaya: I can say it is completely different with every piece. What is new for me is working with other photos. Normally, I work with my own photos. There is something you see in every work. You see beauty and then letting go. I am happy, but for the most time, I am melancholy. Letting go of everything: the beauty, my mother. Letting go of the beauty of life, but appreciating life at the moment. My work reflects the devotion of the moment, taking what is given to us, then letting go, when it is time to go.
Carl: You were able to work individually with both Akiko and Sean. What is your selection process like in your photographic work? How do you decide who you want to work with?
Jaya: Yes, it totally comes from my inner space. With Akiko it was easy. I love photographing Asian people. I feel very connected with Japan; the Japanese culture is full of secrets and magic. For me, they never show the real inside like something behind a mask; this I find very interesting. I am mostly attracted to working with women.
Carl: I want to thank you Jaya, for being here and creating such work with GAP and sharing with us.
Photo essay of Jaya’s experience in Venice, Italy with GAP IV 2016
