Artist Statement: Olga Merrill

This collection is from my series, “Urban Spirits,” and represents the contemporary life of the cities through my eyes and reveals my vision of the dynamic, layered life of the metropolises and enigmatic spirits of the cozy towns. This series draws from my love of visiting my family in another continent (Russia), exploring the world, and my urge to push on to yet another horizon, as well as the ways my imagination transforms the places I find myself.

How has living and creating art in Russia influenced your artistic style and

perspective?

I often use double and multi-exposure in photography, being a citizen of both the United States and Russia, and having family on different continents, so doubling influences my artistic style.

Do you have a favorite piece of artwork or series inspired by your experiences in Russia or Italy? What was the story behind it?

My “Friday Night in Cinque Terre” that I made on the beautiful Italian coast was inspired by many lovely photos I had seen before. As I love challenges, I wanted to create a unique image from these Iconic places. In Italy, my husband and I travel extensively. I knew I had a limit of time and I wanted great light, we had a boat trip and I saw people relaxing, drinking wine, so truly in the Italian way of style. The movement of the boat produced one of my favorite photo techniques and yes, I was happy with the result. The piece caught some attention: one blogger in Korea, as we discovered later, wrote about me. I got many emails with questions, words like ” How did you do it? So many images from this place but this one is quite unique”.

I felt I achieved my desire, what could be better?

Intited Reflection, Russia

What cultural aspects of Russia and Italy have you found most inspiring or challenging to incorporate into your art?

Russia is where I grew up, so when I visit it’s like a game for me to put myself in the role of an artist who is discovering an absolutely new culture. I discovered a lot of new things that I had not noticed while living there.

What role does travel play in your creative process? How do you balance exploration with the focus required for art creation?

Travel is an essential part. After each trip, I return as a new person. Discoveries and experiences enrich my life, teach me, and encourage me to grow as a person and an artist.

Have you encountered any unexpected challenges or surprises while working in abroad? How did they impact your art?

I embrace all challenges, especially artistic challenges. They help me and make me personally more creative, as well as make my art more meaningful to me. What can it be for art lovers? They evoke questions and mysteries that they uncover on their way.

Friday Night in Cinque Terre

Old-New, Russia

Olga Merrill’s work is currently on display in our Freeport, Maine Showroom. The show, My Other Place: Maine Artists Exploring the World, runs from March 6, 2025 – June 1, 2025.