Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 30
Occupation: Artist.
Instagram: @cindy.zell
Hometown: Los Angeles.
Studio location: Los Angeles.
Describe what you make: I create large-scale wall sculptures out of sustainably sourced natural fibers, wood, and metal. My work is material-driven and explores the influence of gravity on composition. Individual pieces serve as studies on gesture, curves, drape, and weight.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: I developed my technique for spinning and dyeing rope in 2014. It’s a process that begins with stringing thread hundreds of times for every length of finished rope. This slow process of creating something by hand and embrace the evidence of that imperfection continues to inspire me.
Describe the problem your work solves: I think that art doesn’t necessarily have a function beyond bringing more beauty into the world, but it certainly has a purpose. I hope that my work creates something positive for others.
Describe the project you are working on now: I just completed a series of nine wall sculptures for a group exhibition at the LA Design Festival. I’m honored to be part of this celebration of art and design in Los Angeles!
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I have a deep curiosity about form, texture, and materials. I’m continually learning new techniques and experimenting with different mediums. I am currently learning to weld and am interested in how that might be incorporated into new work.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: I always have an essential oil diffuser running and a podcast playing in the studio. Every so often I need to reset and completely clear the space. For me, outer order creates inner calm!
What you do when you’re not working: I’m probably outside. I love exploring nature and traveling.
Sources of creative envy: Some of my favorite artists are Isamu Noguchi, Ruth Asawa, Sheila Hicks, Barbara Hepworth, JB Blunk, Alexander Calder, and Jean Arp.
The distraction you want to eliminate: I want to eliminate comparison! I need to keep reminding myself that I’m on my own path.
Concrete or marble? Concrete.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Aliens.
Dark or light? Light.
