Issue 2 Writer Spotlight | Denisse Zamora
C+B: Tell us about yourself, Denisse!
DZ: Since moving out of my home state of California six months ago, I’ve thought a lot about my life experiences and what people may perceive or not know about me. It’s been bittersweet not being among old friends (new acquaintances don’t have a past version of myself to reference) but mostly amazing to reflect on the chapters of my life and look forward to possibilities of the future. Sometimes I wish I carried around an FAQ sheet about myself (kidding), but getting to know people and people getting to know me takes time, and I have to be patient.
Most will probably first notice that I have a quiet demeanor. I am also introverted, and in a society that favors extroversion, I’ve had to work against being overlooked. My voice may not be the first to project itself, but my wheels are turning, and I promise I have something meaningful to contribute. I wish people knew that I probably know more than they assume. I’m also goofy.
With creative art, I can be a blend of introversion and extroversion. The act of being creative reminds me to appreciate both extroverted and introverted communication styles. I love art as a communication form, a way of storytelling, and I find the cultural diversity in our stories inspiring. We can tap into all the parts of ourselves with art.
C+B: Describe your work in three words.
DZ: yearnful observing curious
C+B: Which creator (present day or in the past) do you most admire and why? What draws you to their work?
DZ: A year or two ago, I was gifted the book: Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine, and reading it was an experience like none I had ever had. It was an immersive artistic experience. I admire her examination of society and how she presents it through mixed mediums. She inspires conversation and critical thinking. I appreciate her work.
Find and support Denisse here:
Denisse Zamora
Ideal collaboration: My ideal collaboration would be working with a photographer or a visual artist. I have an idea in mind, and it has to do with performance artists and a collection of stories. It’s still brewing.
Ideal creative retreat: My ideal creative retreat would have a variety of creative art workshops and classes I wish I could have taken or given more attention as a kid, such as dance, painting, and photography. There would be no pressure to perform or “make something.” There would be an emphasis on creative exploration, collaboration, and developing connections that might nurture future opportunities and ideas. Animals have a therapeutic effect and inspire a sense of wonderment in me, so I imagine animals would also be around to spend time with and help care for as a pick-me-up. There would be opportunities to spend time in nature and creative company.
Long-term goals for creating: Keep going. That is my overall long-term goal for creating. Some of my goals specific to writing are to practice more consistently (establishing a writing routine) and continue exploring poetry and songwriting. Music is my first creative love, and it is on my bucket list to write and record a song of my own.
Currently inspired by: @adastra_stories, Feminist Book Club @feministbookclubbox, Bowties & Books @bowtiesandbooks, Mel Gill @Bookrecsbymel
