"Vertigo." Aleksandra Zee, Oakland, California, U.S.A. 29 May 2017.
"I Saw Sigur Rós at the Greek Theater in Berkeley about eight years ago, and it was an incredible show. When they began playing their final encore, the drums were pounding and at the exact moment they released confetti it started to pour rain. Everyone screamed out of joy and people's faces were turning pink and yellow and orange because of the confetti that was getting wet. I cried, it was pure magic. When I think about it I still get goosebumps."
IT ALL STARTED WHEN...
Light. Radiant light. Beige on beige. Joshua Tree, and the desert of the Southwest. Being present. Grace. Self-love, care, and acceptance.
What more can I say about Aleksandra Zee? The incredible, miracle(wood)worker, shining light of positivity, and Phenomenal Woman (for all you Maya Angelou fans out there, you know what I'm talking about).
I first had the pleasure of meeting Al over drinks at Charlie Hallowell's Penrose, one of my favourite places in Oakland (and it turns out one of hers as well). I was struck by her genuine, grounded, down-to-earth attitude, and the way she lit up when she spoke about her work and creative process.
I've been following Al's art for a long time and her words of wisdom and overall outlook on life that she shares via her dreamy Instagram feed have guided me through some difficult times. I feel so much gratitude for the mind-blowing commission she made for my husband and I this spring, inspired by copper elements from our wedding décor that reminds us daily of a very special time in the desert.
We call the piece "Vertigo" and it has truly been a life force energizing our new home in LA. ✨
Closeup of "Vertigo." I had been dreaming about the piece for months and it turned out even more special than I could have ever imagined. I'm over the moon in love with this piece and will treasure it for all time. (Photo credit: Aleksandra Zee.)
In addition to taking commissions, Al has recently started offering workshops -- group sessions or one-on-ones -- and opened up an online shop, all of which you can find on her website. You can also check her out at West Coast Craft from June 10-11 in San Francisco!
What's your passion/hustle/profession?
I am a woodworker / Artist.
What kind of music helps you focus at work?
For music it really depends on my mood. I have lately been loving Reverberation Radio on Spotify, it's lots of good 60's Afro Soul and psychedelic jams that I can just fall into my art-making mediation.
When you’re winding down?
When I am winding down, Radiohead and Sigur Rós.
Working out?
Queen B for sure!
Cooking?
That doesn't happen often, but when it does it's soul music.
Kickin’ it with friends?
Records, lots of Soul.
What’s your most memorable musical moment? This could be a live show or festival that really stuck with you, meeting a music icon, etc.
I Saw Sigur Rós at the Greek Theater in Berkeley about eight years ago, and it was an incredible show. When they began playing their final encore, the drums were pounding and at the exact moment they released confetti it started to pour rain. Everyone screamed out of joy and people's faces were turning pink and yellow and orange because of the confetti that was getting wet. I cried, it was pure magic. When I think about it I still get goosebumps.
Favourite love song? Slow jam? Between the sheets track?
Right now, "How Deep is Your Love" by the Bee Gees. 😊
You need to hype up the crowd at a house party real quick. What do you put on next?
HAHAHAHA "Never Too Much," Luther Vandross.
If you were stranded on a desert island with only one album, which would it be?
Let It Be, The Beatles.
Best format? Cassette tape, CD, iPod, Vinyl, etc.
VINYL.
What’s the most prized album/mixtape/musical memento you own? Your home is on fire and this is the only thing you can grab before it all burns down. (Sorry, that one’s grim.)
Limited edition vinyl Beatles compilation with my most favorite songs, it's not even named.
Dinner with any artist, dead or alive. They're paying. Whom do you choose?
George Harrison.
What's your go-to karaoke jam?
"Nice & Slow," Usher.
Merçi, Al!
*mobile-only.
"Vertigo" Track Listing
Tame Impala. "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards." Lonerism, Modular Recordings, 2012.
Shuggie Otis. "Inspiration Information." Inspiration Information, Epic/Sony Records, 1974.
Dr. Dog. "Heart It Races (Architecture iIn Helsinki Cover)." We All Belong, Park The Van, 2007.
Milky Chance. "Flashed Junk Mind." Sadnecessary, Lichtdicht Records GmbH 2014.
George Harrison. "My Sweet Lord." All Things Must Pass, G.H. Estate Limited under exclusive license to Calderstone Productions Limited (a division of Universal Music Group), 1970.
Maggie Rogers. "Alaska." Now That The Light Is Fading, Debay Sounds LLC under exclusive license to Capitol Records, 2017.
The Bee Gees. "How Deep Is Your Love?" Saturday Night Fever Original Movie Sound Track, Barry Gibb, The Estate of Robin Gibb and Yvonne Gibb, under exclusive license to Capitol Music Group, 1977.
Earth, Wind & Fire. "That's The Way Of The World." That's The Way Of The World, CBS INC., 1975.
Flume & Chet Faker. "Drop The Game." Lockjaw, Future Classic, 2013.
Marvin Gaye. "Got To Give It Up (Part 1)." Got To Give It Up, Motown Records, 1977.
Luther Vandross. "Never Too Much." Never Too Much, Sony Music Entertainment Inc., 1981.
Roy Ayers. "Everybody Loves The Sunshine." Verve Unmixed Vol. 4, The Verve Music Group, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc., 2008.
Sigur Rós. "Svefn G Englar." Agaetis Byrjun, XL Recordings, Ltd. under exclusive license from Sigur Rós, 2000.
Closeup of "Vertigo." Photo credit: Aleksandra Zee.