“Make things happen by yourself”- Erica Van Zon
Don’t go overboard with your planning. That was the advice from Spark speaker Erica van Zon.
Don’t go overboard with your planning. That was the advice from Spark speaker Erica van Zon.
“The thing about making a plan is not going overboard. Just think about which time of the year you’re most productive, know what’s on your radar, and work according to that.”
Wintec is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Spark International Festival by gathering together creative minds from New Zealand and around the world.
On the First day of Spark Festival, Erica van Zon discussed life after art school in her workshop held in Wintec’s R Block Social Space. Van Zon shared her creative journey since completing art school, and the challenges she has faced in her career.
Erica is a New Zealand-based artist currently working on Toi Pōneke Arts Centre, Wellington as an administrator and as a teacher at the College of Creative Arts, Massey University, Wellington.
Van Zon creates art close to her personal experiences such as memories, desires, small moments, and souvenirs. Her beautiful creations are the vernacular of re-makes, props, and parody. She loves using textile and crafts for her work.
In her workshop, she shared her new piece of art which is beaded art called Avocado Pear(ing). The idea for the art came from her mother’s first experience of avocado. Another of her creations is titled Palmolive dishwashing liquid and Midori which is made of soft cotton material. These are parts of a project she has been working on for a year.
Van Zon discussed how staying focused is important. She said it was always good for creatives to start with their hearts to find their niche, and success at work and life.
“It might take some time to develop your own style or niche but trying and practicing is the best thing.”
Van Zon said: “Make things happen by yourself. No one is going to come to your studio and compliment you, you have to go out there, make the connection, introduce yourself.
“You don’t need the best thing when you’re starting out. Just know your workplace, find a fund for your works, manage money, learn to write proposals, go to the library.”
Being flexible at work, and refining how you work best, are her suggestions for the aspiring artist.
Second-year student Amy Wang enjoyed the workshop. “This workshop is really helpful not only for art students but also for communication students. She gave great tips to finding jobs and managing money. And I will probably use it in the future.”
Every year the Spark festival brings Media Arts graduates to share their experience and successes. For more information about the festival click here
