We recently connected with Zo Frampton and have shared our conversation below.
Zo , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I think resilience is a superpower. I tried a lot of different things before I committed to being an artist full-time and most of them didn’t work, or at least not in a way that was sustainable and fulfilling long term. I think my resilience comes from failing and being forced to create a new plan and find new opportunities. For me, this willingness to persevere is the key to improvement. Making art is all about trying new things, so every mistake and every attempt at a new technique brings me closer to a mastery over my materials, which will allow me to create in the way that I imagine.
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?
I am a visual artist living in LA, Topanga Canyon, which is not only beautiful but home to a thriving community filled with many artists and musicians. I received my MFA from California College of the Arts in San Francisco. I have worked in many mediums from textiles to bronze, but my current body of work is abstract still life. My drawings are intricate, composed of layers upon layers of meticulously drawn shapes and patterns. My compositions convey depth and dimension akin to natural phenomena—think microorganisms, schools of fish, or the rhythmic patterns of storms.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think a strong work ethic, optimism and a broad curiosity are the three skills that have helped me most.
There is only one thing that really leads to improvement and that is time spent working on your craft. If you put in the time, you are bound to improve. Having a strong work ethic means showing up every day in the studio and putting the hours in creating and experimenting. I must be willing to try things that might not work to find the things that do, and that means being consistent and persistent in the hours dedicated to honing my skills.
I think I am a naturally optimistic person. I can’t help but look on the bright side of life and working as an artist, which certainly has its share of rejections, it’s a good attitude to cultivate. Every time I start a new painting it’s a leap of faith. Will the idea be as good as I am imagining it? Will the materials work as I think? Will anyone else like it? These are all questions which could be crippling, but if I can stay ultimately optimistic then the work is bound to thrive in that environment.
I have been blessed with a wonderful education and had the opportunity to not only study art but also many other things, including receiving a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. I am an avid reader and find so much inspiration in books and stories. I want to always be learning and developing new skills and interests. I think staying curious about the world and all its inhabitants fuels my creativity. My eyes are wide open and there is just so much to see.
For those who are still at the beginning of their journey, I think trying to cultivate good working habits and really giving yourself the time to improve is a great place to start. Cultivating positivity about your work and being a lifelong learner can really help in the long-term pursuit of any goal.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes! I am always seeking collaborative opportunities. I think collaboration can be so enriching to the artistic journey. I have been lucky to work with some amazing curators and galleries and hope to find others who believe my work can bring something to the shows and spaces they represent. I also think interior designers have a unique perspective on how art can contribute to the atmosphere of a room, and it would be amazing to work with some of the designers out there who are creating beautiful spaces. My website www.zoframpton.com has all my contact info!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zoframpton.com
- Instagram: @zoframpton
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