Artist based in Los Angeles, CA
Zoe Alameda, Portrait of the Artist
Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
I’ve always known I wanted to be an artist. Creativity was highly encouraged in my household, and I’m extremely grateful for the support my parents gave me to explore it. My mom isn’t an artist per se, but she’s creative in everything she does. Through COVID, she picked up woodworking, sewing, crocheting, and even zine-making, which was really inspiring to witness.
I learned how to screen print in my junior year of high school, which opened up a new way of thinking about creating. Later in college, I began experimenting more seriously with assemblage and collage, which became central to my practice. Those early experiences of play and experimentation really helped me develop the processes I work with today.
(Left) "full hurt"
Acrylic, laser prints, graphite, thermal stickers, tar gel on canvas, resin, cement in artist’s frame, 68 x 46 x 22.5 in, 2023
(Right) Detail view of "full hurt" at Gayle and Ed Roski Gallery
Installation view from USC Roski's 2023 group thesis exhibition.
“full hurt” reflects on the fractured self through a combination of disparate images and objects. The work is both a freestanding sculpture and double-sided painting– a constructed form reminiscent of advertisement signage, a doorway, a portal, a human figure. Recalling it as a sculptural painting, this work retains its flatness while simultaneously trying to escape itself.
“Later in college, I began experimenting more seriously with assemblage and collage, which became central to my practice. Those early experiences of play and experimentation really helped me develop the processes I work with today."
"So Strong I Could Lift the Weight of This Burden"
Body Dreams T-shirt, laser prints on custom wood panel
27.5 x 34.5 x 3 in
2024
This work questions the notion of strength, whether physical, emotional, spiritual, masculine or feminine. I ask myself, What is strength?
Being hard on yourself?
Armor? Protection?
Prayer?
Acceptance?
Softness?
Eggs? Eggs are protein. Protein makes you strong.
What are you currently working on and where did the inspiration for it come from?
I’m planning this car show with my roommate and studiomate, Ashlynn Trane. I love saying it like that, car show. It’s actually an exhibition inside of/ involving both of our cars. I love the idea of using our vehicles as a catalyst for connection. Cars are a huge source of inspiration for me lately– I see it as my armor; an ironic place where I feel safe and protected. Maybe I just spend too much time in my car because I have to drive to get anywhere around LA.
(Left) My friend Andrew's hand, as depicted in "Peace Love Happy Ness" at Swivel Gallery, 2024. (Right) In progress shot of the 'backside' of "Waiting is a Death Sentence"
"Anything for You" Laser prints, tar gel, resin, metal hardware, tree bark, plastisol on wood panel 15.25” x 10” x 2.5” 2024
Innovation does not only happen in the field of technology — it occurs everyday in a creative practice. What do you do for inspiration?
I feel inspired while driving my car, journaling, visiting thrift stores, doomscrolling, ordering at the McDonald’s drive thru, attending openings, watching my friends' band play, giving and receiving long hugs.
In progress shot of "Dig (A-Side)"
Describe your practice and process. Where do ideas start for you? In the studio or being in the world?
Both inside and outside of the studio, artmaking is a constant in my life. As an extension of my studio practice, I also tattoo and design clothes. I try to be consistent with each area of creativity in my daily routine, even through indirect ways like redecorating my apartment or cooking dinner for myself. It’s hard to pin down exactly when an idea begins because inspiration often emerges organically from lived experiences and emotions. My meatiest ideas come forward when I’m emotional. I see my artwork as an ongoing journal, as a series of self-portraits.
(Left) In progress shot of "Drake Piece (controlla)" (Right) Work in progress
Studio view
How do you make your work, does it start with a sketch?
My process often starts with collecting images and materials. I used to think I would be a more traditional illustrator or painter, but during school, I found that approach frustrating and began experimenting outward. Now, my work focuses on layering and evolving compositions that often branch out from their initial ideas.
A lot of my process begins on my phone, where I gather images from Instagram, advertisements, memes, or street photos from my camera roll. From there, I move to my sketchbook to explore compositions, then to collecting physical materials, and finally, to assembling the pieces together.
Lately, I’ve been investigating “double-sided paintings,” which challenge the idea of a single perspective and let me lean into dualities and contrasts. I guess my style reflects this experimentation, combining elements from multiple mediums and genres to create work that feels both multidimensional and flat. I see this process as a way to work through frustration, embracing tensions between structure and spontaneity.
In progress shot of the 'backside' of "Waiting is a Death Sentence"
Many artists live by their routines, what does that look like for you?
This year I turned into a morning person and found I work best when I can rush out of bed, straight to the studio. I operate in phases, rotating monthly between painting, making clothes, creating sculptures, etc. While I love to overplan and crave routine and consistency, the unexpected always finds a way to influence my process.
I’m still figuring out the perfect routine or ritual for myself. Right now, my practice feels a bit like playing catch-up, which has been a challenge. I’ve been trying to be more mindful and kind to myself when things get so busy (reminding myself that it’s a blessing to be busy in the first place).
Lately, listening to Andy Shauf and Pinback in the studio has kept me calm and inspired.
"Reach" Laser prints, tar gel, acrylic, transparency film, stick on canvas 24” x 18” 2024
Who are your biggest influences?
This is my ongoing list of dear friends, mutuals on Instagram, historic legends (to me), musicians, etc. who deeply inspire me:
Andrew Hunczak
Sam Dybeck
Thomas Macie
Nina Hartmann
Sasha Gordon
Peace on the Sun
Liza Jo Eliers
Momo Gordon
Motoko Ishibashi
Mario Ayala
Cady Noland
Mark Bradford
Nate Lowman
Miracle Seltzer
Alex G
My mom
Are there books or films that are an important source of inspiration?
I’m not that much of a reader, but love to collect artists’ books and read other artists’ interviews. A few of my favorite movies are The Rules of Attraction, Buffalo 66, Tampopo and Edward Scissorhands. Honestly, I feel more immediately inspired by unhinged Instagram Story posts and Tik Toks of monkey x kitten compilations, ugly-cute puppies, and road ragers.
Artist in the studio
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Recently, my friend Sam pointed out that I don’t need to have answers to the questions I pose in my work. I realized that my art doesn’t need to provide solutions or neatly resolve the themes I explore. As someone who can be overly critical of myself, his words reassured me that the process of questioning and exploring is just as valuable as finding conclusions.
What is the best advice you would give to other artists?
Be kind to yourself. Drink water.
Portrait of the artist
Stay up to date with Zoe Alameda
Website zoealameda.com
Instagram @unradmotions