Elizabeth Zamets shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Elizabeth, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something I’ve loved lately is making playlists. I’m extremely passionate about music, just as much as I am about art; I love the subtle distinctions between eras even mid-decade, and the many ways you can arrange songs to create a mood and something to add to. I think music is the most immediate and intuitive way for me to process my feelings, it has been since I was a child. Each song holds their own world of memories and are like their own time capsules, and I learn something new every time. Music also heavily inspires the subjects I explore in my paintings, and lyrics often contain such potent visual imagery; it’s hard not to want to recreate it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name’s Elizabeth Zamets and I’m an illustrator and painter. I love to paint and draw, integrating my emotional landscape, observations, musical obsessions and aesthetic sensibilities into intense, colorful and stark imagery. I love collaborating with musicians on ephemera, authors on editorial illustrations, and clients on commissioned artwork. In addition to this, I work in the archival, production and fabrication spheres for a living, which helps me develop new ideas and strengthens my visual acuity. I love working with people collaboratively, it’s what brings joy into my life, and am always open to new commissions, collaborations and creative projects.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I think the relationship with my mom. She always saw the ways I was hiding from myself growing up, and when I sold myself short. Any inkling of interest I had in anything; movies, music, places, art, were immediately encouraged and nurtured. I think she saw me as if I were a precious child with adult capabilities. I always felt the awe in her eyes when I would do something new, or take my next steps as I grew, learning a new lesson. I’m grateful I can see her face in mine when I look in the mirror, and hope to be a mother like her when I have children of my own.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Definitely yes, haha. I went through a very tumultuous period last year where I questioned whether a creative path is right for me, or even ethical given the suffering in the world. I was working in scenic painting at the time and had the idea to pursue social work at the graduate level, so I started volunteering to kind of test whether I was capable of pursuing it as a career. Through that I realized I simply am not, it was extremely challenging emotionally to consider bearing the weight that caring professionals like that do every day. I think a lot about Carl Jung’s philosophy on creative potential; that you must align your direction with your inner self and unique potential, and that it creates a sense of purpose, contributing to the “tapestry of humanity”. I knew I was ignoring a huge part of myself by switching gears, and almost trying to prove to myself that I can do something academic. Now, I toe the line between social responsibility and nurturing what I am meant to do.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
This is a good question haha. I think a lot of intellectuals spend too much time thinking, worrying and almost self/other-flagellating around social issues rather than contributing positively to any kind of action that would help. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of non-profit organizations, institutions, and communal efforts that contribute positively to change, some not needing more than a few hours of your time a week. I think this lack of action contributes to a sense of futility and hopelessness that can really be remedied by a small change.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
This is a very sweet question; I think my love for people and enjoyment of the mundane.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://elizabethzamets.com
- Instagram: @lizzamets
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-zamets-709293124
Image Credits
Lorena Peña for the first one, Elizabeth Zamets for the rest
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