Meet Aleksandra Zee | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aleksandra Zee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aleksandra, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

The thought behind starting my own business came from my need for creative freedom. I knew that making art was the long term goal of what I wanted to do with my life, and through the process of having creative jobs, which were great in teaching me how to hustle, I felt such a strong urge to fight against what I was being told to create and what I wanted to create. I knew that following the rules wasn’t for me, that I needed to find a way to forge my own path and create something that was just my own. None of it was a straight line, there were bumps in the road and I am still learning every single day 15 years later. I chose to trust my gut and carve something out that was my own, and I have never looked back. Making artwork everyday is truly a dream come true. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I am an artist specializing in working with wood, I create pieces that range from expansive room-filling installations to intricately designed pieces suitable for any space. What distinguishes my work is my use of monochromatic colors and shapes, drawing inspiration from the rugged landscapes and unique light of the high desert. 

I got my start in the creative world working as a display artist at a major retailer. I learned so many different art forms while working that job and it was always the projects that were centered around wood that made my heart soar. I fell in love with the material and that was it for me, I knew that making art with wood was where I wanted to put all of my efforts.

I am most proud of my latest body of work, “Let the Light In”. It represents a profound exploration of the interplay between light and darkness, both in the context of the high desert environment and within myself. Through this collection, I dove into the depths of my own experiences, examining the contrasts of light and shadow in my personal journey. This body of work is the biggest shift from anything I have ever made, and I am so very excited about where it will go from here. 

Building my business from the ground up, taught me so much. Initially I had no clue what I was doing except that a life where creativity was the center is what I wanted.What mattered most was making art and if that never made me any money that was fine, it was something I needed to do, it is a part of me that needs to create. That as my foundation, the need to create has given me a sense of freedom, that no matter where this path takes me, making art will always be the fuel. We as humans are always evolving and growing and that is how I look at the work I create and the business I run, it grows with me and changes as I change. 

When it comes to running a business, for me, it is so important to embrace the highs and lows. Each setback as an opportunity for growth and learning. It is this resilience in the face of adversity that fuels creativity and drives me towards even the wildest of dreams and ideas. 

For me, art is not about conforming to external expectations; it’s about channeling my innermost truths into tangible forms. 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I call Joshua Tree home. When friends visit, we explore the breathtaking landscapes, from hiking in Joshua Tree National Park to enjoying sunset views amidst the giant boulders. Stargazing under the expansive desert sky, the allure of this place is truly unparalleled. Embracing the charm of small-town living, I love the tranquility that comes with limited options, finding joy in the simplicity of it all. The best part about life out here is being in nature and getting the chance to slow down. One of my favorite spots in town is Más O Menos, it is our most frequented spot. They have amazing cocktails, delish coffee and it’s the perfect vibe. We really love spending time there. Another favorite is The Copper Room , the food is delish, the coctails are on point and I love making a point to visit when there is live music. Pioneer Town is also a must visit, Pappy and Harriet’s for live music, the shops are great, Soukie Modern Outpost is a fav, my rug collection with Soukie Modern is featured there along with so many beautiful pieces, and then Red Dog Saloon si always always a good time with good food! 

Some shops that I also love to take our guests to are Sun of the Desert in downtown Joshua Tree they have a beautifully curated shop with vintage giftables and merch, and Acme 5 in Yucca Valley has the most stunning home decor, I have a few of their beautiful lighting pieces in my home. 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Shoutout to my husband Antrom Kury who has supported my work and journey as an artist since day one. Being married to a creative is the most beautiful thing, from inspiring each other, bouncing ideas off one another and running our businesses together. I would not be who I am today without his support and the constant inspiration I get from him. Antrom is a musician and producer out here in the desert who also works as a woodworker. Shoutout to Katie Gong, a fellow artist and best pal. Kaite and I shared a few woodshops together and we built our businesses side by side. We started our journeys together into the art world and small business world, it is no easy feat to start a small business and maintain it to success and having Katie by my side has been the most amazing support and inspiration. Her work is stunning, she bends and ties wood into knots and sculptures, truly so inspired and beautiful.

Website: https://www.aleksandrazee.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aleksandrazee/

Image Credits
Photos by Antrom Kury