We recently connected with Zoey Zoric and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Zoey with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
The source of Work Ethic – this is a multilayered source! For me, the biggest motivator to keep working is the notion that the most profound artistic growth comes from the work. The work creates the practice and the practice creates growth. There is a degree of momentum that happens, which also helps with work ethic. Ideas can propagate other ideas. Even when feeling stuck, I find the best way to break out is to bring different approaches, but ultimately working through the block. Long walks help shake things up. I try to balance my stubborness with patience to break through a creative block. I used to focus on a single painting at a time, but in retrospect, I always had a number of projects going at any time, and I feel like that also adds an element of needing to finish things to move onto new projects. So this also helps with work ethic and motivation. I try to strategically ease into work sessions knowing that often the hardest part is to just “get started”
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
In my art practice, I explore the entanglement between technology and human relationships. As our lives increasingly revolve around digital devices and virtual spaces, our perception of others, the world around us, and even the perception of one’s self becomes mediated through screens. My work prompts a conscious consideration of the implications of our digital experience.
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?
– Determination/Resilience, it’s a strange path that an artist will carve for themselves. If you put yourself “out there” enough, you will face rejection. Rejection will happen. Don’t let it derail your efforts!
– Patience/Drive: do not chase perfection, pursue progress. Keep working. Try new things and give yourself the grace to fail so that you can try again.
– Define how to measure your own success. It will look different for everyone. Sales (or social media numbers) do not necessarily mean success. You won’t know where opportunities will spring from. It is an unconventional path as an artist, you decide what is important and what success means.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I find it is “easier” to double down on specific strengths (focus and go for it!) but I also feel like it’s important to “round out weak areas”. I think it really depends on the individual and what works best for their particular situation! But more than either of those, I feel it is very important to not hold yourself back until you are thinks your skills are “ready”. Of course, absolutely train, learn, develop your skills as an artist (performer, musician, entrepreneur, ect), but there is a point where you will have to put yourself out there and embark on the journey! You will learn so much as you go. The artist that holds themselves to a high standard might not ever “start” if they wait until they are “ready”. I certainly was not “ready” when I first publicly exhibited. The learning curve was steep, but so valuable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zoeyzoric.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoeyzoric/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoeyzoric.art
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeyzoric/
