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

Hi Alex, why did you pursue a creative career?
Hm, well I couldn’t really see myself doing anything different. Art has just become how I eat, sleep, breathe, and the lens in which I can attempt to understand this world. Growing up, my mother really nurtured my artistic side because she had to give up her dreams of being an artist when she came to America. I think a part of her likes to vicariously live through me, haha.

I feel like I’ve been practicing my craft for so many years at this point, that I’ve come to really enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to sustain myself through my passions- it’s been a fun journey, and I have a lot more to learn.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve comfortably grown into understanding that my purpose in life is to use my passions and abilities to inspire and uplift the Jewish people. Making the leap from music-themed designs to almost strictly Jewish empowerment art was a threatening leap that was filled with lots of challenges and uncertainties. However, the feedback I got from people as well as the internal feeling of positive change through art has kept me inspired to reimagine new ways to inspire my community.

The Jewish community has been victim to the destructive powers of propaganda and harmful representation. Even media megaliths like Disney have called upon antisemitic tropes for their villains, and in some subvert ways, continue to do so. These bouts of representation, no matter how small, have planted seeds in the minds of Jewish people that our identity is something to hide, or be ashamed of- that its a negative quality about ourselves, that makes our lives harder.

My work at this point has found its purpose in that I aim to flip that narrative on its head, by providing our community with positive imagery to plant seeds of pride and empowerment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hm, I would probably take them kayaking with me in the morning, or to go train. I really enjoy exercising- it’s the perfect duality to making art, and it’s a healthy way to get out of your head, which will refresh your artistic senses. Then, maybe to grab some nice coffee, and maybe a hookah and some good Israeli food. I’m a simple man- I don’t need much to be happy!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to just thank everyone who has supported my art throughout the years. That support means to world to me, and has allowed me to live my dream of being a full time artist and fashion designer. Sometimes I feel like outsiders can see things in ourselves that we ourselves can be blind to, so that perspective has always cheered me up and motivated me. Also, my friends who convinced me to start my page and share my art back in 2016, when I was still really terrified to share my work publicly.

Website: alexwozart.com

Instagram: @woz_art

Image Credits
Photos by Ahmet Uras and Gemma Totten.

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