Today we’d like to introduce you to Torie Zalben.
Hi Torie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I am a fourth generation Angeleno, my family has been living in LA for over 100 years. The landscape and history of this city truly fascinates me. Art has always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My family and I would frequent the Getty museum, LACMA, and as a child I would spend hours at the Carole & Barry Kaye Museum of Miniatures on Wilshire Blvd. and marvel at the various scenes and intricate dollhouses. Growing up I always gravitated toward creatives and art class was always my favorite. My education was art focused and resulted in studying video art and media from both Loyola Marymount University and New York University.
My story is continually unfolding and I am reminded to keep being inspired and to live each day one step closer to seeing my dreams and visions manifest. I love playing with the mediums of photography, painting, cinema, writing, and exploring the boundaries of technology and varying practices.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest obstacle has been myself, to trust in my creative process and to know that there is always a bigger picture. To keep going when things get quiet and to know it will always get busy again. I learned that inspiration is like a wave, it comes and goes and to keep riding that wave.
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?
My work is an array of mediums and varying colors and materials. I love video, technology, lenticular photography, watercolor, painting, and assembling my miniature collection (items from all over the world collected for over 30 years) into scenes for my video art practice.
I am currently working with jeweler Carter Eve on a line of limited edition video art necklaces that I am so excited about. Follow @TZTVS for updates and our official release date. To see more of Carter’s beautiful creations, check out her Instagram @CarterEveJewelry.
I am also planning an exhibition of floral arrangements to convey the temporal nature of flowers and how they can beautify a space by conveying emotion though meditative slices of nature. This exhibition will be inspired by various paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe and her symbolism of flowers as a sensual object and feminine symbol, Renaissance flower paintings during the 15th Century, and the career of Constance Spry and her artistry with flowers and beyond.
My work is defined as world building and storytelling through moments of wonder and escape through multiple mediums. I am in this for the long game and look forward to seeing what gallery or institution my work will gravitate towards.
How do you think about happiness?
Happiness to me is when ideas flow and click. Knowing that the right timing will come and that things work out in ways beyond my control. Knowing all that makes me truly happy. I am the most happy when I am collaborating with other artists on projects. A shared vision is my greatest joy in my art practice.
I also gain happiness from my community and a special thanks to Isa Ramirez, the most talented and creative hairstylist, for suggesting me for your magazine! I am truly inspired by her love for life and celebrating her gifts with the world. You can find her on Instagram: @icynotbrassy
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.toriezalben.com
- Instagram: @TorieZalben
- Facebook: @TZTVs
Image Credits
Photo of the artist by photographer Will Tee Yang @willteeyang
Second Image:
“Call Me Mother,” collaboration between Torie Zalben, Jamie Chaos, Lynda Weinman, 2024. Triptych sculpture for Lotusland’s exhibition “Grounded: Works Inspired by, Connected to and Reclaimed from Lotusland,” curated by Ashley Woods Hollister , Joanna Burton, and Rebecca Anderson. @JamieChaos @LyndaWeinman @Lotusland_Gannawalska
Third Image:
TZTVs video necklace by Torie Zalben & Carter Eve, still image of Zalben’s ‘Now’ hummingbird video art slideshow.
Fourth Image:
Torie Zalben, “Barbie House,” 2020. Lenticular Photograph Lightbox, 4 x 6 ft. Image by Joshua White Photography.
