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

Hi Amy, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up in a big family we were always creating we would make movies, and put up plays for our Grandparents. I found photography and documentary films and I wanted to tell stories from the folks I grew up with. Growing up in predominantly a Brown and Black neighborhood I saw struggles but I also saw pride and I aim to highlight and celebrate Latinos and Black folks by showing the beauty in my neighborhoods and creating documentaries that highlight Queer people of color. Another passion is food I have a small cottage food based industry and we sell baked goods, and coffee that aims to celebrate my Mexican culture.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The thing that is most important to me is to be a storyteller. Through my photography and filmmaking, I have tried to highlight and celebrate my communities. I created a documentary film called Genderfuck highlighting DTLA drag. I also work on a Queer Latino series speaking about their contributions to the world. I recently am a part of an artist residency in Mexico, and now spend time working in Mexico. I recently spoke at BUAP in Puebla about my art. I also have worked on Bridges of Pride, in San Bernardino a day dedicated to bridging the roads and highlighting Queer art. The road has not been easy, there are many rejections but feel lucky to work in Mexico and here. My recent photography work is called “Puebla de Los Angeles,” that are double exposed images of both Mexico and LA, and Southern California. I have learned that it is important to find happiness and joy in your art. That just as in life there are always highs and lows. I hope that the world sees my work and can see themselves in my work. I want folks that may feel not seen can find commonality in my work. I also love to bake and love to share any recipes and especially coffee that I get from Mexico.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Always want to check out museums, I really like taking the metro to Union Station a great spot for photos. Cross the street and go to Olvera Street, grab some taquitos from Cielito Lindo. Not too far away is the Charles James Gallery, which is a great gallery. Also some great photo spots in Chinatown. Highland Park and Eagle Rock have some great restaurants, I enjoy Pocha for Happy Hour, and Tierra Mia for coffee. Walking in LA early morning is always amazing time for photos.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate and recognize my 4 siblings. I have incredibly talented siblings my oldest sister is an English Professor, my sister is an author, my brother is a playwright and my youngest bro is a Drag Artist Historian,

Website: amyzapata.com

Instagram: barrionerd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.zapata.14

Image Credits
Photos are all mine Amy Zapata

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