Danielle Ezzo, artist and curator. I grew up all over New Jersey, spent some time going to school in Georgia, and now I've been living in Brooklyn for six years. Actually, I just had my six year anniversary on the 21st.
What is it that you do? What media do you use?
Technically, I'm a mixed media artist, but most all my work begins with photography. Specifically, with historic processes such as cyanotypes and salt prints. I layer these works with paint and ink.
What do you think sets your work apart?
There are very few people utilizing alternative processes anymore it seems. People are getting out of the darkroom and into digital space, which I can understand, mostly because these older processes are so nuanced and slow. In my experience, the photography community shies away from photographers who add other media to their work, who aren't purists. Maybe photography, and its subsequent practitioners, are still uncomfortable with embracing the medium as a fine art. It didn’t start out that way though, an art form. Maybe people are still hung up on that a little. Nonetheless, I think it's just a matter of staying true your intent. If adding other media to an image is part of the overall concept and process, I say, go for it. I enjoy facing the challenges of combining a variety of elements.
How long have you been showing your work for? Did you have a “big break?”
I've been showing my work since 2005, and so far its been a steady slope of increased exposure. I'm not sure if I’ve experienced that 'big break' feeling yet; however, I think the curating I've done over the past couple years has only pushed my work further and vice versa. It's like they play off of each other.
What are some things that have inspired you?
An artist must utilize every moment or opportunity to find inspiration, even the most mundane things can be thought provoking. Often, just talking with other artists, sharing the struggles and the triumphs, is most beneficial to me.
What have you been working on recently?
This body of work called, Kindred Systems, of mixed media salt prints. Reanalyzing and contextualizing the term “kinship system” based on the shift in how people define "family" and its ever growing inter-connectivity.
Do you listen to music while you create your work? If so, would you give some examples?
Absolutely. It ranges depending on my mood, but Etta James, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Morphine, Mazzy Star, Jolie Holland, Iron & Wine, Francoise Hardy, Edith Piaf, Lovage, and whatever else that is slow and sultry.
Do you do work in any other media? Other projects not necessarily related to your main body of work?
I've been playing around with super 8 video and I hope to get more into video in general at some point. Sculpture excites me, but I’m horrible in three dimensions. I curate, as I mentioned before, which is an art form all to itself.
What advice do you have for artists looking to show their work?
Meet people and have confidence in your work. I've met some pretty amazing people in the city by just sending an email, chatting at art openings, and generally just being a curious and open person.
Do you have any upcoming exhibitions of your work that you can mention?
Right now, I'm making a push to finish Kindred Systems. Once that's done, I'm working on possibility of a solo show, but no details yet. I’m also curating an auction for Daniel Cooney Fine Art April 1, called Shades of Grey: A Cross Section of Modern Sexual Identity.
Where can people see more of your work on the internet?
My website, of course: www.danielleezzo.com
I also have two blogs: a photo diary: danielleezzo.tumblr.com
You can also buy limited edition prints of my work here: http://aceditions.com/
