We recently connected with Emily Zaiden and have shared our conversation below.
Emily, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Being surrounded by artists who dedicate their lives to creating works of meaning, and often beauty, although that is not always the intention, it is hard not to feel like things will work out. Artists approach making often from a place of problem solving and the outcome of their effort is a physical, tangible testament to finding that solution. Art is inherently an optimistic act, it is the belief that the perfect form or message or idea can be articulated through material form. All of this is incredibly affirmative and it gives a sense of hope that life will go forward and people will continue feeling the need to put beauty into the world no matter what.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My primary goal as a curator and arts administrator is to help the public see how art, design and craft reflects who we are as a culture. The objects around us are sometimes the strongest reflections of our hopes, dreams and fears. I have the pleasure of serving to bring the work of exceptional artists into the public eye. Often and until very recently in the contemporary art world, craft was siloed. At the Craft in America Center, we focus on artists who innovate with craft materials such as glass, ceramics, fiber, wood and metals as well as new materials. In working with these media, artists have acquired nuanced technical skills and knowledge, and much of this information has withstood the tests of time. We are a community-building space where the public can view, experience and learn about craft. Craft in America produces a PBS documentary series that has aired since 2007. We have captured the stories of artist-makers over these years and expanding understanding of how the handmade is a living part of our world. I am incredibly excited that next year, we will launch a brand new online tool, the Craft Video Dictionary, which will be a universally accessible way for people to see and understand how objects are really made through succinct, clear videos of artists demonstrating various techniques.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Curiosity, objectivity, resourcefulness. The desire to keep learning and seeking out new inspiration and finding ways to understand how art is made and ideas are driving the work is key. Objectivity is hard to locate at times but it grounds the work, curators and art organizations can’t be persuaded by trends, they need to maintain integrity and constantly seek out exceptional art without personal bias and prefence. Resourcefulness is critical for growing any project and it is even more essential for the healthy survival of a non-profit gallery.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Art was always a part of my life growing up. It was integral, accessible, possible, important and woven into who my parents are and how they see the world. They passed that appreciation on and wanted me to see the value of art in life. They taught me to appreciate and be aware of art and beauty in the everyday world and in everyday life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.craftinamerica.org
- Instagram: craftinamerica
- Facebook: EmilyZaiden or craftinamerica
- Linkedin: emilyzaiden
- Twitter: craftinamerica
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/craftinamerica
- Yelp: craftinamerica
Image Credits
Madison Metro
