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2.7.17

What happens when you gather rope, metal fragments and watercolor paints into a workspace? If it’s us, nothing; if its Cindy Zell, magic!

We’ve bumped in to a few of Cindy Zell’s material-driven sculptures around town lately, and we’re swooning for her pastel washed pieces that have a sense of delicate balance we can’t get over. If you’re looking for a wall hanging that doesn’t feel too trendy, but still hits a contemporary note, these are definitely that. We including one of Zell’s minis in The December Shop and thought we’d share a little snapshot of life in Cindy’s L.A. studio here on the site.

For more studio visits, check out The Setting NYC, Nick Fouquet and Justina Blakeney here too.

Daily necessity:

The first thing I do when I get into the studio is write down my goals and tasks for the day. I love crossing them off!

To get the creative juices flowing I…

Take a walk outside to get some fresh air. I always come back home with new ideas!

My favorite current project is:

I’m experimenting with making shapes out of lengths of rope, the density and scale is really exciting to me.

Soundtrack in the studio:

There’s always a podcast playing. My favorites right now are “How I Built This” and “Twice Removed”.

Favorite object in the studio:

My rocking chair and plants. Anytime I feel stressed out or stuck, I just sit in my rocking chair and it helps me relax. Taking care of the plants in my studio is also a very meditative way to start the week. I try to fill my studio with things that inspire, motivate and calm my brain, depending on what I need at the moment.

Latest inspirations:

Nature influences a lot of my work. My latest pieces have been inspired by desert hues, the cascading of waterfalls and mountain landscapes.

Most common visitors to the studio:

I have a lot of studio visits with fellow makers in the community. I love talking about art, tools and techniques.

Favorite spots in the neighborhood:

Iliad Bookstore, my neighbor’s coffee shop Moby’s and Porto’s Bakery.

Other artists inspiring me right now:

Karina Bania and Kristin Texeira are currently inspiring me right now with their bold use of color.

When I’m not in the studio I am here:

Hiking in Griffith Park with my husband or hanging out with my cat on the couch watching Broad City.

My art supply obsession:

I love going to Austin Hardwoods & Hardware in Santa Ana for exotic wood, The Reclaimer in Tarzana for reclaimed wood and Rockler Woodworking in Pasadena for various tools and jigs.

Favorite art galleries and museums in the city:

The Museum of Jurassic Technology, Craft and Folk Art Museum and Hauser Wirth & Schimmel.

Currently reading:

Difficult Women by Roxane Gay.

Organizational item I can’t live without:

The Wunderlist app on my phone and computer. If it’s not on the list, it doesn’t get done!

Afternoon snacks:

I pop out for an acai bowl from a spot up the street from my home and studio in North Hollywood.

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