Words by Lula Criado
The creative universe of Melissa Zexter’s art is deeply fascinating. The talented Brooklyn-based artist shoots and prints all of her photographs. Zexter blends digital and analogical photography with embroidery —a traditional handmade activity considered to be typically feminine— in such a suggestive way that transforms the identity of the photograph.
Femininity, identity and portraiture are the columns of her work. She loves taking photographs of meditative and sleeping anonymous women in different life cycles and then establishing a relationship with them by adding layers of colourful threads.
What is more important: to take or not to take yourself too seriously in order to be creative?
In order to be creative, I take myself seriously and always do what I love to do. I never seem to have as much creative time as I would like, so it is most important to relish every moment of it and to work with focus and commitment.
What’s your favourite time of the day?
My favourite time of the day is any time that I can be alone and have some peace and quiet without people hassling me.
Solitude or loneliness, how do you spend your time alone?
When alone I usually do something related to photography– take photographs, sew on photographs, print photographs, and look at photo books. I’m pretty obsessed with the medium. Once I have had enough of photography, some other things that I love to do when alone include going to see a movie, swimming, running, reading, and eating chocolate.
Have you found beauty in unexpected places/situations?
I find beauty everywhere- even on the subway platform. I love to look at people and investigate new places with my camera. Most of the beauty I find is where I live, in New York City- a place that many probably don’t consider the most beautiful city.
What do you want to achieve before you die?
For my spirit to be enriched.
One for the road… What are you unafraid of?
Storms and bullies.
