How a Village Girl Found Art in the Spin of Roller Skates I Elena Schertler

Open Call for Artists is delighted to present Elena Schertler as our Artist of the Month for August. Elena’s story is one of curiosity, play, and the courage to create from the heart. Growing up in the small village of Hittisau, she spent her days climbing trees, sewing with her cousin, and painting whatever inspired her. Those early moments of joy and freedom became the foundation of her artistic journey.

Today, Elena brings that same playful spirit into her work sometimes even painting while on roller skates. Movement, texture, and intuition flow through her art, turning each piece into something alive and full of feeling. Whether using wax, threads, or found objects, she transforms her canvases into experiences that invite us to pause, look closer, and feel.

Her journey has taken her from small village beginnings to exhibitions in Venice, Bregenz, and Schwarzenberg, all while staying true to her love for experimentation and discovery. As she looks to the future, Elena continues to explore new materials and ideas, always searching for ways to express the balance between freedom and form.

Her story reminds us to trust our instincts, enjoy the process, and never be afraid to create boldly.
Let’s now get into the interview and discover more about Elena’s creative world.

Q1. Can you tell us a bit about your background how growing up in Hittisau and studying fashion and production at HTL Dornbirn shaped your path into art?

Growing up in the small village of Hittisau has profoundly shaped me. I was raised in a time when digital media was not constantly present. Much of what I experienced and created happened spontaneously, in the moment. I often spent time outside with friends. We climbed trees, started projects on a whim, experimented freely, and let our intuition guide us; I was naturally curious. I regularly met with my cousin, and together we painted, worked on small sewing projects, and spent our time immersed in creativity. This was my very first encounter with art. It was during this time that I first realized painting allowed me to express myself in a way that felt truly alive. Wanting to connect with other artists, I applied to and was accepted by two artist associations: Kunstvorarlberg and Kunstbräu in the Bregenzerwald. This was a great help to me.

Through these networks, I was able to connect with others, even though it was initially challenging as a young, emerging artist to find my place within an environment dominated by already established artists. I am all the more grateful for the openness and support I experienced there. Regarding my education, the HTL did not directly influence my art, at least not in the traditional sense. We had limited drawing classes, and in fashion drawing, the focus was primarily on technical skills like designing and shading garments. I was often told that my use of shading was “incorrect,” but realism was never my priority, I never aimed for exact representation. What I did take away from that time was a joy in creating. Transforming old clothing into something new, giving objects new meaning and value, this has been and continues to be an essential part of my artistic process. To this day, I keep a sewing machine in me
room, which I use at least once a week.

Q2. You often paint while on roller skates. How did this idea come about, and what role does movement play in your creative process?

The idea came about quite by chance at a flea market in Andelsbuch, where two pairs of bright red roller skates caught my eye. They reminded me of a scene from Pippi Longstocking, where she glides through her apartment with brushes strapped to her feet. Pippi Longstocking deeply impressed me as a child and gave me the courage to believe in dreams, even if they seemed unrealistic. For me, Pippi was never just a fictional character but the embodiment of creative independence. Today, as an artist, this means above all giving space to intuition without immediately analysing or judging it. Often, this is where new ideas originate. Painting on roller skates integrates movement directly into my creative process. As I move across the surface, fine charcoal lines emerge, weaving through my work. Movement functions both as subject matter and as a formal element, it reveals vitality, freedom, and the delicate balance between control and letting go.

Q3. Your use of materials is so inventive from wax and aluminium foil to threads and found objects. What draws you to experiment like this, and how does it shape your work?

Integrating such a variety of materials into my painting adds a sense of openness and playfulness to my work. I really enjoy this process. New textures and structures emerge, transforming the surface into something more tangible, the painting becomes an object in its own.

Q4. You’re already developing a strong, recognizable style and experimenting with new formats and maybe sculpture one day. How do you see your art evolving next?

I’m quite certain that painting will remain my primary medium. At the same time, I feel a growing interest in sculptural work, an area I want to explore more deeply in the future. This year, I completed my first metal sculpture and combined it with denim fabric using a CAD design program. Studying at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie gives me the freedom to experiment with a wide range of materials and media, and I want to embrace this openness to foster my artistic development.

Q5. You’ve exhibited in places like Venice, Bregenz, and Schwarzenberg. What experiences from these shows stand out most for you?

As an artist, you spend a large part of your time alone with your work. The moment when finished pieces are shown to an audience for the first time is always accompanied by a certain uncertainty, and that’s precisely what makes it exciting. It’s fascinating to see how people react to the work and what emotions or thoughts it triggers in them. These reactions are never predictable; they’re always a surprise.

Q6. What advice would you share with young or emerging artists who want to bring more play, movement, or imagination into their work?

I believe it’s important not to become too fixated on the final outcome and to keep enjoying the creative process. Follow what truly moves you, and don’t let yourself be overly influenced by others. In the end, you know best what you want to create. Trusting your own will is essential.

Q7. Congratulations on being featured as Artist of the Month! In what ways do you see this milestone helping to elevate your career and create fresh opportunities for your practice?

Visibility is a crucial component of a sustainable artistic practice. It opens new doors whether for collaborations, exhibitions, or other opportunities. This requires people who see potential in your work. I have many ideas and sketches that are still waiting to be realized and need support to come to life. To continue developing, I need guidance and networks that can nurture me along the way. Being featured as your “Artist of the Month” offers me valuable visibility and fresh perspectives.

As we close our conversation with Elena, it feels a bit like stepping off a rollercoaster full of energy, movement, and a sense of wonder. Her fearless approach to art reminds us that creativity can be wild, joyful, and completely freeing when we let intuition take the lead.

Elena’s journey shows us that art isn’t just about the final picture, but about the ride the twists, the turns, the balance between control and letting go. We are thrilled to celebrate her as our Artist of the Month and can’t wait to see where her next creative adventure takes her.

To learn more about Elena and her work, visit the link below.