Woodworker Aleksandra Zee blends inspiration from her trips to the southwest to create striking, geometric, handcrafted works of timber art. Her work presents a dichotomy, radiating a commanding awareness while at the same time exuding a composed sense of tranquility. Intermingling organic hues and symmetrical patterns, each piece is reminiscent of the elements as a tessellation of simple, yet ever fluid components.
“The colors and textiles of the desert truly inspire my soul,” Zee says. “I find myself gravitating to natural color hues and designs that I have brought back with me from antique Native American textiles that I fell madly in love with.”
She began her career as a Display Artist for Anthropologie doing installation, design, sculpture, woodwork, and fixture building for three years; where she discovered her love (“obsession”) with wood. Her three-year position with the company became a launch pad for her table, headboard and wall-hanging designs.
“I love working with my hands. Working with wood is something that has been around since the beginning of time. I love being a part of a culture that has evolved so greatly with such rich history. Also, working with wood gives me so many options from the color to the shapes to the hundreds of kinds of lumber. I feel so limitless with my material and that alone really inspires and excites me!”
Though her imagery in based in her love of southwestern scenery, textiles and jewelry, Zee is continually inspired by San Francisco (where she currently crafts and sleeps) and its “dirty streets,” and creative people. Crucial to her being is keeping a present mind.
“It allows for inspiration, creativity, passion and love to manifest and grow.”
Zee believes that making a difference is to make something new and fresh that inspires others to see differently… “to put a new spin on something that has been done before because nothing is original.”
Since moving into woodwork, she has strived to live off her craft and hopes it will take her to new places. Her favorite piece currently stands as a 6ft x 3ft table in which she implemented a new pattern for her friend Benny Gold.
As art is essential in her creative existence, she states so is joy.
“Chasing joy [is important] because is not always present, but it is something you can seek out and make a part of your life. Choose joy.”
Her wildest dream: “I have so many!!!! I would love to drive a vintage convertible off a cliff like in Thelma and Louise minus the dying or being extremely injured part. More seriously though, I just want to make art, travel with my love and be inspired every day to create.”
Couldn’t leave out: “I have a scar on my forehead that looks like Harry Potter’s scar (makes me magical).”
And magical she is.
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