Elise Vazelakis
Malibu California
Age 66
What keeps you excited in the studio?
I love blending traditional fiber techniques with items from my environment. Whether it’s repurposing Amazon envelopes into plastic yarn and creating sculptures using twining, I’m excited to incorporate classic basket weaving techniques with recycled materials.
Looking back at your trajectory as an artist, how would you say your work has developed?
As an artist, I transform materials such as plastic packaging and water bottles into art, turning what is considered waste into something beautiful and valuable. Similarly, I’ve reinvented myself throughout my life by taking experiences that may have been negative or challenging and transforming them into opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Just as I use my creativity and imagination to repurpose materials in my art, I’ve used my resilience and adaptability to become a better version of myself. Through this transformation, I’ve learned to see the beauty in the unexpected and find value in what others may perceive as useless or unwanted. Both as an artist and as a person, I strive to create something meaningful out of the things that others may overlook, using my creativity and resourcefulness to transform the world around me.
What role do you think the artist has in today’s society?
The role of an artist in today’s society is multifaceted. Our current environment offers artists the opportunity to address pressing issues, such as the pervasive problem of plastic waste and its impact on our planet. By weaving together strands of plastic, I not only transform discarded materials into objects of art but also invite viewers to ponder the implications of our reliance on synthetic materials.
Working with plastic has been an intriguing experience for me. It’s fascinating to work with a material for an extended period and learn its inherent properties. I’ve discovered its limitations, such as how far you can pull it before it breaks, how it twists, and its valuable strength. I’ve also learned about its other characteristics, like how it cuts, how it smells, and how it changes when you twine or weave it. Through this process, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the material and its potential for creative expression.
What’s the most important advice you could give to an aspiring artist?
Be authentic and do what makes you happy!
Does age matter in art? Why or why not?
In art, age is not a determining factor. What matters most is the depth of experience, perspective, and creativity an artist brings to their work. Artistic expression transcends age, allowing individuals of all ages to create meaningful and impactful work. Through my own journey of artistic transformation, I’ve learned to see the beauty in the unexpected and to find value in what others may overlook. My artwork serves as an invitation to peel back the layers of our carefully constructed personas and discover what lies beneath. By repurposing discarded materials, I aim to create a visual metaphor for the ways in which we present ourselves to the world. My hope is that my art will encourage viewers to reconsider their relationship with waste and consumption, and to embrace the creativity and resourcefulness found in the process of transformation while embracing aging.
What can we look forward to from you next?
Next, you can expect to see more of my unconventional approach to basket weaving, using materials like Amazon bubble envelopes transformed into plastic yarn. My work challenges conventional notions, inviting viewers to consider the implications of our reliance on synthetic materials and the issue of plastic waste. Through my art, I aim to promote sustainable practices and environmental stewardship while exploring the creative potential of plastic as a medium.
Is there anything else you would like to share about being an artist later in life?
It’s never too late to reinvent yourself as an artist. At the age of 62, I went back to graduate school and earned my MFA from CSULB in the fiber program. This journey has shown me that age is just a number, and passion and determination know no bounds.
Www. Elisevazelakis.com
@elisevazelakis
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