“Mountains and Molehills” | A New Daily Project

I recently kicked off a new project in which I make and share a different paper sculpture every day for the month of October. Each one features a pile, mound, or heap of some sort. Here’s a brief video describing the backstory.

The last time I did a project like this was 2019, for the “36 Days of Type” global design challenge, in which I made a different letter of the alphabet (and then the digits zero through nine) every day for 36 days. You can see my alphabet here. That experience was both exhilarating and stressful, and I grew so much from it.

This time, it’s a challenge of my own making. It feels more personal, as I’m putting more of my own feelings and story into it. It’s a bit nerve-wracking committing to such a fast-paced schedule, but I think the structure and public accountability will be good for me.

You can follow along on my Instagram!

Studio-Warming and Sale | Sun, Oct 15

I recently moved into a new studio space at Pier 70 in Dogpatch (sneak peek here!), along with my studiomate and beloved friend Emi Grannis, who makes gorgeous fine jewelry.

We’d like to invite you over for a studio-warming and sale! Come see what’s on our desks these days, maybe take home a small framed paper sculpture, and shop Emi’s stunning jewelry collection. Excited to have you over!

Emi Grannis and Zai Divecha
Studio Warming + Sale
11am - 4pm, Sunday, Oct 15
Pier 70, Building 12, 999 Michigan St, SF

Studio Sale on May 17th

Mark your calendars: Studio sale on Wednesday, May 17th!

I’m gearing up to move studios soon, so in preparation, I’ll be hosting a little studio sale at Yonder in the Inner Richmond. I’ll have a few new editions of smaller framed pieces available for sale, as well as some other odds and ends I’ve either made or collected over the years. There will also be a table of free craft supplies and packaging materials that I’m hoping to offload before I move.

My studiomates on the ceramics side of the building will be hosting a studio members show that night — come delight in their curious and gorgeous ceramics sculptures, and stay for a drink and a bite. Everything in Yonder Shop will be on sale, too! It should be a festive evening hosted by the whole Yonder fam!

BIG STORIES, SMALL WORLDS
Studio Members Show + Sale
5-8pm on Wed, May 17
701 11th Ave, SF

Colossal Feature

Colossal recently did a gorgeous feature on my paper sculptures and corresponding stop-motion animation films! This article also serves as a sneak peek at some of the new works that will be shown in my upcoming solo exhibition at Heron Arts, which opens February 25th.

PHASE SHIFT: Zai Divecha Solo Exhibition at Heron Arts

You’re invited to the opening for my upcoming solo exhibition! It’s 6-9pm on Saturday, February 25th, at Heron Arts in San Francisco (map). This body of work explores incremental change over time, and includes both physical paper sculptures and corresponding stop-motion films. Read more about this exhibition on Heron Arts’ website. If you’re a collector, email tova@heronarts.com to be added to the preview list.

Colossal recently did a gorgeous feature on this body of work — check out the article here!

Artist Residency at Penland School of Craft

In January, I spent two weeks in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina at Penland School of Craft, as a part of their Winter Residency program. I received their Distinguished Fellowship, which they award to a handful of artist residents.

Penland is over 90 years old, and has over a dozen gorgeous studios, including Books, Letterpress & Printing, Photography, Ceramics, Iron, Metals, Wood, Textiles, Drawing & Painting, and more. I used this time to make new work for my upcoming solo exhibition at Heron Arts. I explored stop-motion further, and experimented with new techniques such as embroidery and metal leafing.

I made friends across all of the other studios, and we’d take breaks from our work to go on walks, have campfire singalongs, and the occasional dance party. I didn’t go to art school, so for me, it was a revelation to be surrounded by so many wildly creative people at once.

I left feeling both rested and energized, with nine new pieces for the show, and a whole bunch of new friends. I really see why people do artist residencies! It simultaneously felt like a vacation, and also the most productive two weeks of my life.

Watch the two videos below to get a little taste for my time at Penland!