Zoë Williams creates otherworldly creatures that serve as spirit guides. Her needle felt sculptures are inspired by dreams, visions, and the collective unconscious.
Born in 1983 in New Orleans, LA, Zoë Williams holds a BA in Fine Art from the University of New Orleans and a Certificate in Fiber Art from the University of Washington. Her work in needle felted wool has been exhibited in galleries around the world. She currently lives and works in New York City.
In this episode, Zoë discusses:
-Her artistic history and what inspired her to want to start needle felting.
-The first sculpture she made of a rabbit based on a dream that she had.
-The concept of the collective unconscious and how it affects her artwork and her life.
-How she has always been fearless for the type of materials she uses in her sculptures.
-Her advice for anyone who wants to do something completely unique or different.
-The value of trial and error.
-How a part-time job might actually allow more stability than one might assume, and it can also provide a nice buffer for the “feast or famine” nature of selling art.
-Some of the pitfalls that she tries not to get held back by with her art.
-The joy that she gets from connecting with people who connect with her art.
Zoë’s Final Push will inspire you to figure out what works for you and GO FOR IT!
Quotes:
“I had only ever seen it in the context of really cutesy little toys and Christmas ornaments and things like that. I really thought it had potential to make sculpture.”
“Through the artwork, I was able to work through the dream. And ever since then, my dreams have been a major source of inspiration for the artwork itself.”
“It’s almost like the piece of art reminds them of their own experiences and their own point of view. And the intersection of those two is what makes it a successful piece of art.”
“I’ve always just done what I wanted when it came to materials.”
“At the end of the day it’s still sculpture, even if it’s soft and not stone or clay.”
“There’s really nothing like just picking it up and giving it a try. No video will show you everything that you will experience when you try a new technique.”
“That’s what I thought people did: you grow up, you get a job, you stop making art.”
“It’s very difficult not to at least consider what kind of work might sell well. I feel like that is a pitfall that I continue to, if not fall into, then tip-toe around the side of.”
“The best moment for me is when I meet someone who likes my work and I get to talk to that person.”
Links mentioned:
Werifesteria (July 8- August 5, 2016) My Plastic Heart, New York, NY
Femme to Femme Fatale, curated by Beautiful Bizarre, Modern Eden Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Connect with Zoë:
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
