Discovering Aneesa Shami Zizzo: The Textile Artist
In the bustling city of Los Angeles resides Aneesa Shami Zizzo, a passionate artist and researcher with a deep love for textiles and fabrics. Her childhood was filled with the sights of her grandmothers quilting and crocheting, igniting a spark within her that would later blossom into a full-fledged artistic journey. “I feel like it’s there in the DNA. I love hand-sewing and the feel of the fabric,” she shares with Arab News.
A Creative Journey from Kansas to Lebanon
Born in Kansas to a Lebanese father and an American mother, Zizzo’s creativity was nurtured from a young age. “I knew I really wanted to be an artist; I remember falling in love with this ability to create something from nothing,” she reminisces.
During her adolescent years, Zizzo explored various artistic mediums, from drawing and painting to making collages. It was at the Kansas City Art Institute where she discovered her passion for fiber art. “It really speaks to me on a subconscious level,” she explains.
Turning Waste into Art
Zizzo’s textile works are a testament to her creativity and resourcefulness, using scraps and industry waste to construct her pieces. “It’s incredible the amount of textile waste there is in this world. It’s frightening, quite frankly,” she reflects.
Embracing Arab Heritage
Despite growing up in Kansas post-9/11, Zizzo has recently begun incorporating her Arab ancestry into her work. Inspired by her personal memories and family members, she seeks to embrace her heritage and share it with her young son, Yuri.
A Life-Changing Trip to Lebanon
In 2017, Zizzo embarked on a transformative journey to Lebanon, where she explored her father’s roots and immersed herself in the rich culture. The experience left a lasting impact on her, inspiring pieces like “Baba’s Goldmine,” which pays homage to the ancient Roman columns of Baalbek.
“It was my first and only trip to Lebanon,” Zizzo shares. “I wanted to commemorate it.” As she prepares for a residency at the Arab American National Museum in Michigan, her art continues to evolve, reflecting her personal and cultural experiences.