Interview: David Zalben
I first began corresponding with David Zalben after he gently chastised me for only including part of his sculpture poem in my first Poem In Your Pocket Day post. In fact, his comment was itself a poem:
“I would have like to read the entire poem,
to know the complete story.”
And later he explained further:
“I wrote it as a story of meditation...
and the last part is part of it.”
While we may have differing philosophies of art, I did enjoy visiting his studio as his creations span a wide range of subjects and mediums. Zalben creates sculpture, painting, photography, as well as advertising out of his studio at Art Center / South Florida on Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road.
"Just Trying to Be Myself"
oil on polaroid tin, 4 1/2 x 5 1/2"
A strong design element is evident in a lot of your work, particularly the wire sculptures. What is your approach to creating art – do you assemble it together in your head before your start? Or work with and through the medium and see where it takes you?
I have to have a clear idea of the image that I want to make. When I get the idea, I have to problem solve - that is, with one line of wire I try to minimally create the image. Sometimes the more complicated ones I have to draw out before continuing, but most of the time, I can go on instinct. If it is a series piece, then each time that I work it, it changes by being simplified, or more complicated. It all depends on how I feel in that moment.
Out of all the ad campaigns you've been involved with, what was you favorite?
I'd say is was an International Crown Royal campaign in which I created 5 different sets in studio to recreate a specific atmosphere. The pictures incorporated many of the aspects of image making that I had worked hard on, such as selective focus, perspective, angles, color and contrast. Those ads were a culmination of all that I envisioned.
What music do you listen to – if any – while you work?
I like to go stretches in silence. But when I do put on the tunes, I have an eclectic taste. Music effects my mood and definitely my art work. For writing poetry, painting, or bending wire, I like Bob Dylan.
Or it could be BRMC, or Travis or Wilco ...all rather melancholy rhythms. I once offered my collection of music to a host for her party. She turned and said, “Nothing personal, David, but your music is really depressing.”
What’s your shoe size and favorite pairs?
Flip flops size 7
Closed shoe (rarely wear) size 8
Puma's, uumm, I'd say 7.5
In addition to creating art yourself, you also teach black and white photography at Art Center / South Florida…
I teach photography because it is an wonderful medium to help people find their voice or give balance to there life. Actually, I feel odd thinking of myself as a teacher because I learn as much as my students. My class is an exchange of ideas and bonding as friends. The courses are only six weeks, yet several of my students have been with me for two years and running.
I am impressed with the level of talent that my students possess. I really want them to achieve their goals, and so I do what I can to assist them. I get profound pleasure in seeing people grow and be happy.
"Mustafa" 2008
annealed wire sculpture 13 x 12 x 10"
You’ve described your art as storytelling – would you elaborate on this idea, please?
All my art work is a story. My paintings are a manifestation of people that I love or admire, or it is a commentary on issues and events that I feel strongly about. With wire I create iconic still-lifes that represent universal feelings, such as innocence, sensuality, beauty, humor and happiness. Generally, I do not create work that is one dimensional…. the greater challenge is to create something that communicates all emotions. None of us are just one thing, but are many things.
What are your current projects?
I am working on a series of paintings of women that I know. And I am always physically creating or thinking about new wireworks or poetry ideas.
Zalben is also in the process of creating a web site, but in the meantime you can contact him through Art Center / South Florida. [UPDATED: Zalben's web site completed!]
And by the way, the title of the poem mentioned at the beginning of the post is "Ode To Papaya," and here is the complete text:
Meditate
And let it resonate
Like a bell under a spell
Transcend
And let it bend
Like a ride
Under a tide
React
And let it act
Like a tree
Under a tree
Zalben says, “It is in homage to my beloved dog Papaya (who passed away) and what she taught me.”
Thank you, David Zalben, for the interview and I look forward to experiencing more of your artwork!
Apr 9, 2008 at 11:44 AM
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