Today we’d like to introduce you to Zac Lassen.
Hi Zac, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I’ve always been into drawing & painting for as long as I can remember. As a kid, it was a real thrill to visit the St. Louis Art Museum, and encouraged me to start making art. We all have things that draw us in closer and that was it for me. I studied Animation at Webster University and eventually got a job designing but there were numerous times when I thought I might not have what it takes to be in the industry. No matter how bad it got though, I could always come back and paint how I felt. It’s always been instant therapy for me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were many days and nights not being able to afford rent or food even while working full-time AND painting. 2020 certainly was not a fond year for me after losing my relationship, house, job, and a couple family members but, if anything, it was a year for internal growth. I really connected deeper with my friends and family I had around me and just took the time to reflect on who I wanted to be and the kind of life I wanted. A few years ago, I threw out both my shoulders making it so I couldn’t paint properly for months and I was quite upset about it at the time but, looking back on it, it’s kind of funny and places things in perspective for me on what I currently have and to never take for granted what’s in the moment.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a painter specializing in portraiture and currently working on an upcoming show in 2023. I like to question the absurd reality that we find ourselves in. We’re all constantly distracted by our environment and never fully realize how ridiculous everything is. I prefer to show familiarities to reflect our world to comment on our own universe, identity, and ever-developing systems we tie ourselves to. A couple summers ago, a friend and I set up a pop-up gallery of our work downtown. We weren’t really familiar with the art scene and kept getting denied entry to a lot of groups so we said, ‘screw it,’ and set it up in the common area of his apartment. Totally against the rules but it sure was a party.
What matters most to you?
To connect with others. I oftentimes feel like there is a glass barrier between me and the rest of the world, like, I can’t quite communicate with people the way I feel. I think we all just want human connection and to feel heard. I’d really love it if someone would laugh, cry, smile, or anything while looking at my paintings. If they truly felt what I was feeling it would make it all worth it.
Contact Info:
- Email: zlassen23@gmail.com
- Website: www.ZacLassen.com
- Instagram: @zaclassenart
- Twitter: @zaclassen
