June 17th, 2011
There’s some really creative, interesting people in L.A. I recently had the pleasure to get to know another one: Alexandra Wetzel. She works for the best photo gallery in town, M+B, and puts up artshows at her live/work space, Latned Atsär. She’s also so, so lovely. She has the charisma to win elections and is a life lover!
Background: I went to USC to study History (plain old History: Russian Revolution stuff and the like) then fell in love and ended up with a BFA in studio art with an emphasis in photography and video art. Of course, I kept the history minor.
3 favorite artists: At this point I’m obsessed with Matthew Brandt here at M+B. If we are going to talk about the artists who have had a major impact on my life and shaping where I’m at today then it would be: Sharon Lockhart who first asked me why I was not a fine art major; Charlie White and Tad Beck who have both been supportive in terms of mentoring me and helping me grow up and mature as a person; and of course Andrea Zittel who I had the pleasure of working for and encouraged me to move into the gallery world.
Off the top of my head the work of Rodney Graham and Nathalie Djurberg are two museum shows I’ve seen that still strongly resonate with me.
What are you into?:
PEOPLE. I really strive to see the best and love connecting-especially with those who are delighted with life, interested in expressing ideas, discussing issues bigger and beyond themselves and know that life isn’t just something that is happening to them.
ART. At one point, I related to an Ani DiFranco lyric, “You know, art is the reason I get up in the morning, but my definition ends there, it doesn’t seem fair that I’m living for something I can’t even define, and there you are right there in the mean time.” I used to be very frustrated with my own practice, or lack of one, and hey who doesn’t use a cute distraction every now and again…..!? Once I realized I loved working in an artist support type of role, placing artwork with collectors who could support the work and generally being a platform for others’ artistic ventures things clicked. I am excited to be a part of other’s creations and come back to the quote now and feel like I don’t relate at all — guess I’ve grown up a bit.
DANCING. There’s no better escape then losing yourself packed within a sweaty pulsing mass moving to a good beat.
My friends and lovers say I’m… Talkative, outgoing, excited about life, curious about people and with the slight concern that I might only operate at one speed that could use a little slowing down!
What’s the relationship between love and art?In my case the connection between art and love might make more sense as a connection between love and passion. I fell in love with art as the expression of ideas — the unique voice an artist finds. I am blessed to continually have moments and experiences in my work and personal life where that love and excitement washes over me again and again. I’m passionate about the artistic creations of others and my ability to be a part of supporting that. Interestingly, I’ve never dated and artist and I’m not sure how that might work as my level of attraction might vacillate depending on their artistic output! I’d probably be falling in and out of love constantly with the work if not the person… That said I’m incredibly attracted to people who are passionate about their profession and excited by life.
Thank you for sharing, love!
xxo
