HIV/AIDS Diagnoses in San Francisco

I created this four-part series to show how HIV/AIDS diagnoses in San Francisco have changed over the last couple decades:

Fun fact: Before I started working as an artist, I studied public health. As a college student, I taught sex education in local high schools, I interned at reproductive rights and HIV/AIDS nonprofits, and I got a public health master’s degree from Yale. Even though I’m not in the field these days, I still care deeply about a few key issues, and HIV/AIDS is one of them.

In this series, I wanted to use a visual medium to tell this heartbreaking (and hopeful) story about AIDS in my area. I put on my public health hat for a bit as I dug through the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s annual reports from the last 30 years, and then I put on my artist hat to figure out how to visually represent the figures in a compelling manner.

AIDS DIAGNOSES IN SAN FRANCISCO, 1992

In this series, I chose to represent one person with one tear drop. At the height of the epidemic in San Francisco in 1992, there wer 2,328 people diagnosed with AIDS.

AIDS DIAGNOSES IN SAN FRANCISCO, 2000

By the year 2000, the incidence of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in San Francisco had fallen a bit, due to the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART; also known as the “AIDS cocktail”). Scientists and doctors were definitely a part of the equation, but I want to talk about the activists who helped drive this change.

Some background: It took the government an unconscionably long time to acknowledge the AIDS crisis. Over 5,500 Americans died of AIDS before President Reagan even *mentioned* the word “AIDS” in public. There was nowhere near enough research, funding, or awareness — and way too much homophobia and stigma. A generation of queer men was dying.

We have activist groups like ACT UP to thank for forcing people to pay attention. They staged all kinds of demonstrations — from protests at city hall to civil disobedience on Wall Street to stunts at pharmaceutical companies and the FDA — to draw attention to the epidemic. And ultimately, they ended up working with the FDA to change how experimental drugs are tested and accessed. We owe so much to these early activists and their outrage — not just life-saving antiretroviral therapies, but a whole new model of patient advocacy.

Earlier this year, NPR did a fantastic segment on these early AIDS activists, and how they laid the groundwork for future health activism. If you’re curious, read (or listen) to hear more about ACT UP’s incredible tactics.

HIV DIAGNOSES IN SAN FRANCISCO, 2009

Every year, I raise money for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. I do this annual bike ride called AIDS/LifeCycle, which goes from SF to LA — 545 miles over seven days — each June. Over 2,000 people ride in it each year, and another 700 or so volunteer to help support the ride. This event usually raises about $16M for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

It’s an incredibly diverse and kind community that comes together every year for this one cause. Some folks are HIV-positive themselves, some ride to honor a loved one, and others do it for the sense of community and solidarity. The group spans generations — older folks in the AIDS/LifeCycle community share their stories of loss, grief, and hope; younger folks like me who didn’t live through the worst years carry the torch to honor their struggle. Together, we’re working toward a future without HIV and AIDS.

I’ve done this ride seven times, and I’ve raised over $40,000 for the cause. In 2020, I’ll be riding (and fundraising!) for my eighth time. If you feel inspired to donate, here's the link.

HIV DIAGNOSES IN SAN FRANCISCO, 2018

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation is one of the reasons that this rate has fallen so much in our area. They provide critical, life-saving work to folks in our community who are living with or at risk for HIV. And it’s not just the usual prevention, testing, and treatment options — it’s holistic care that includes sexual health, substance use, and social support services. One of my reasons for creating this series was to show people who have donated to my fundraisers in the past what kind of an impact these organizations have had.

Draco

Draco, 40” x 72” x 3”. This was a custom piece for a sweet San Francisco family to honor the birth of their second child. Like with Canis Major, holes were cut from the paper in the layout of stars in the night sky. But not just any night sky — this piece shows the sky over San Francisco at exactly 5:12am on May 8, 2019, the moment their child was born. This piece is named after Draco, the dragon constellation visible in this particular slice of the night sky. Thanks to Kilomade Studios for the elegant woodworking.

Feature in DuJour Magazine

DuJour recently did a beautiful write-up of me and my work in the Winter 2019 print issue of the magazine! See here for the online article, and below for print.


Feature in TIME!

I was recently featured in TIME’s Entrepreneur Diaries series! In this interview, we went deep on how I got to this point in my career — twists, turns, and low points included. Read the article here!

(This TIME Entrepreneur Diaries series was sponsored by Ally. But just to be super clear, I didn’t get any compensation for this. News outlets have to monetize somehow, and if it means I get to tell my story to a broader audience, I’m down.)

Sanctuary Panel Discussion

As part of the Sanctuary group show at Heron Arts this fall, the three other artists — Anastasia Tumanova, Nicole Sweeney, and Alice Wiese — and I hosted a panel discussion, moderated by Jen Woo of Rogue Habits.

About 100 people attended, and we served samosas and homemade masala chai. Guests had a chance to wander the gallery to see our work for a bit, and then we had a lively and honest discussion. We talked about our studio practices, the ways in which our communities shape our work, and what it was like to collaborate on producing a group show ourselves.

Sanctuary Opening Reception

Wow, y’all really packed the house! We had over 300 folks come to the opening reception of our group show, Sanctuary, at Heron Arts last Saturday. What a blast!

Canis Major at Instagram

Canis Major found its permanent home at Instagram’s headquarters in Menlo Park. Photos below!

For more on the constellation star cutouts and how I designed this piece, see my earlier blog post about Canis Major.

The Chai Cart: Burning Man 2019

For my sixth Burning Man, Phil Reyneri and I (along with my parents!) served ten to fifteen gallons of hot masala chai every night out of this little handmade chai cart. We ran a similar project in 2014 and 2015, but this year, we debuted an all-new cart.

Every night, as soon as it got dark, we’d brew ten gallons of chai in camp, and then load up the cart. We took turns deciding where to serve the chai — a beautiful art installation, a friend’s camp, a dance party, or way out by the trash fence (the perimeter of the event). It usually took about three to four hours to go through ten gallons (we’d serve each person a few ounces at a time). Almost everyone had their own cup on them, but we kept a few loaner mugs on hand for anyone who for didn’t. I’m guessing we served chai to around 2,000 people over the course of the week?!

My favorite night was when we found a concrete fire pit and bench way out in the middle of nowhere. We set up shop, played quiet jazz music, and served chai to the small group of folks who had gathered around the warmth of the fire. It was cozy and intimate, and it was a nice respite from the loud and chaotic burn that was happening in the distance. By the time we ran out of chai a few hours later, we had amassed quite a crowd of people. They were chatting, sipping chai, and roasting s’mores (!) over the fire — another couple had shown up and handed out s’mores ingredients to everyone. I loved creating our own little chai party wherever we went!

Phil’s favorite approach was to make the chai around 3am so that we could serve in time for sunrise. Our last morning, we served chai during the sunrise set at Robot Heart, which delighted partygoers who had been dancing all night long. They paused their dancing to enjoy a bit of caffeine and sugar as they watched the sun come up.

Over the course of the week, we delighted, comforted, and caffeinated a LOT of people. We got feedback like, “this is the best chai I’ve ever had,” “this totally turned my night around,” “ARE YOU SERIOUS!! IS THIS FOR REAL?!” “oh my gosh I think I had your chai in 2014 and I can’t believe I found you again!” “I’m sober and it means a lot to me to find a yummy non-alcoholic beverage out here,” and “I’m also Indian and this chai is the real deal.”

Even if Burning Man isn’t your thing, I highly recommend doing something unexpected and delightful for strangers sometime. It’s truly amazing. It brings out the best in them, and in you.

Upcoming Group Show: Sanctuary at Heron Arts

Mark your calendars! I’m participating in a group show at Heron Arts next month featuring four female Bay Area artists: Anastasia Tumanova, Nicole Sweeney, Alice Wiese, and myself. If you like my work, I guarantee that you’ll love this show. The opening reception is Saturday, October 26, 6-9pm. RSVP here!

S A N C T U A R Y
A Group Exhibition by Heron Arts Gallery

Opening Reception - Saturday, October 26th
Showing Through - Saturday, November 30th

Sanctuary brings together the meditative and textural works of four female Bay Area artists: Zai Divecha, Nicole Sweeney, Anastasia Tumanova, and Alice Wiese. Through the use of light color palettes, repetitive shapes, and organic forms, the artwork takes on an introspective and soothing aura, inspiring feelings of inner peace and psychic refuge. Working in a different medium — paper, wood, ceramic, and fiber respectively — each artist pushes the boundaries of their chosen craft in technique, application, and expression.

Join us for the opening reception on Saturday, October 26, from 6-9pm. Drinks and light bites will be served.

Reserve a free ticket at www.sanctuaryheronarts.eventbrite.com.



Canis Major at Workshop Residence

Introducing my newest installation — a warm, glowing night sky, made of paper, wood, and LEDs.

When I was a child, my parents helped me stick glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling above my bed. Gazing at them while drifting off to sleep was a comforting ritual. I delighted in the magic of the glowing plastic, but subconsciously, I think I also liked being reminded of my place in a vast universe.

Canis Major, my newest installation, is about bringing that that feeling into my adult life. The feeling of being safe in your home, lowering the lights as you wind down for the evening, and contemplating your place in the universe. I hope it brings viewers a feeling of comfort, calm, and maybe a bit of childhood nostalgia.

Pinpricks of light shine through thousands of tiny holes, which are laid out in the exact pattern of stars in the night sky. Canis Major and Orion are among the constellations that can be found if you’re in the mood to do some stargazing.

The constellation chart below shows the map of stars depicted in this piece. Canis Major, the constellation for which the piece is named, is located on the far right side. It can be identified by the large cutout representing Sirius, the the brightest star visible in the night sky. To the right of Sirius is Orion -- look for the three stars in a row that make up Orion's Belt.

The piece is on display — and available for purchase — at Workshop Residence in Dogpatch. Email manager@workshopresidence.com for pricing.

UPDATE 10/3/19: This piece is no longer available.

“Quiet Type” Showcase at Pas Normal Studios

Come see “Quiet Type” — my paper sculpture that recently won Adobe’s 36 Days of Type competition — this Thursday night! Swing by Pas Normal Studios in Hayes Valley 6-9pm for drinks and charcuterie and a little party. I’d love to see you there! RSVP here.

This event is especially fun for me because I’m an avid road cyclist, and I love those rare occasions when my art and cycling worlds collide! It’s special to be able to show my work in a beautiful space designed for cyclists.

Getaway Artist Fellowship

Last month, I was granted the Getaway Artist Fellowship — I had the opportunity to hole up in a tiny cabin in the Catskills in upstate New York and make art for a few days. I went by myself, which was a new experience for me (usually I travel with friends and loved ones). Turns out I absolutely love being in nature by myself. I had an incredible time, and I’m proud of the work I created while I was there. And it made me realize I need to carve out more solo time for creativity and rest.

Some highlights of my time there:

  • Sleeping eleven hours without waking up. I didn’t know my body could still do that.

  • Being totally mesmerized by a little shaft of light in the cabin, and watching shadows of leaves dancing in the wind.

  • Doing everything slowly. Brushing my teeth slowly. Drinking my tea slowly. Heating up food slowly. Taking a break in between those mundane tasks to lie in the window and watch the light change in the forest.

  • Bringing only the tools that were absolutely necessary — not my full studio set-up. As any backpacker will tell you, there’s a beauty in bringing just the bare bones equipment you need to survive — or in this case, make art. I loved having just my most beloved tools: x-acto blade, bone-folder, tweezers, bookbinding glue, pencil, etc.

  • Building a roaring campfire — and enjoying it — all by myself. One of my secret skills is that I can build and maintain a crackling fires. It’s one of the great pleasures in my life.

  • Cooking a full-on feast for myself over the fire! I roasted sausages and veggies over the fire, and then cooked some cheesy potatoes on the electric stove in the cabin. I finished it off with four s’mores. I take my s’mores very seriously. (Golden brown, no charring, melted chocolate, and open-face. Fight me.)

  • Having no agenda other than to be a human, rest, and make art.

  • Having no one to talk to. I’m an extrovert, so I rarely carve out solo time on purpose. I was surprised by how much glee I felt at being able to create all of these beautiful moments just for me to enjoy.

And here are the finished pieces I created during my fellowship! I’m proud of these little babies. If anyone feels especially drawn to them, they’re available for purchase through my online shop.

Thank you to Getaway for this incredible opportunity. It was such a treat to be able to disconnect from the world, rest in a way I haven’t rested in a long time, and make art in a beautiful place. I need to do this kind of thing at least once a year! Thank you for that lesson!

Winner of Adobe's 36 Days of Type Contest

Remember that project where I made one letter of the alphabet, and then all of the numerals, every day for 36 consecutive days? Turns out my project was one of six winners for Adobe’s 36 Days of Type contest! Thousands of incredibly talented designers, artists, and illustrators participated in this year’s competition, and I was totally surprised and delighted to hear that I was one of six winners. Read my interview and check out the other winners over at Adobe’s blog post.

West Coast Craft Summer 2019

Had an amazing time returning to West Coast Craft! The quality of the work there is always so high, and I always leave feeling inspired and joyful. As an extrovert, I love having an opportunity to see my friends, run into people from different chapters of my life, and meet Instagram friends and followers in real life.

Quiet Type

I recently participated in the 36 Days of Type, an annual, global design challenge in which illustrators and designers each create and share one letter or number every day for 36 days.

I’ve never taken on this kind of daily challenge before, and it was tough! It forced me to stay on a rigorous schedule of producing and sharing new work every day. It was fast-paced, and there were several days in which I cut it really close to the deadline. It gave me a good excuse to develop new techniques, some of which have already made their way into larger standalone pieces.

Below is a quick snapshot of the entire project, but click here for larger photos of each one. The alphabet is currently on display at Marrow Gallery, and it’ll be up through May 25, 2019.

Architectural Digest

Quick mention about my solo exhibition “White Noise” in Architectural Digest!

Downloadable Phone Background

Here’s a nice, calm geometric pattern you can use as your phone background and lock screen.

To save, open this page from your phone, tap and hold to save the photo, then head to your phone’s settings to change the wallpaper. Enjoy!

zai-divecha-phone-background

Installation at Square

I just finished this 10-foot long installation for Square! I’m so excited to finally share this with you! I’ve been a Square seller since I started my art business in 2015, so it was an honor to create a large piece for their San Francisco Headquarters.

This piece is a balance of order and chaos. Each strip is pleated in a repeating pattern, but the strip size and scale varies randomly across the piece. I actually used a random number generator to randomize the strip order. Humans are notoriously bad at artificially creating random sequences, so I didn’t trust myself to wing it! (The only rule I added in was no repeats — I didn’t want adjacent strips to be identical.) From afar, it reads as organic and textural. Up close, the orderly patterns emerge.

In case you were wondering what 6,000+ folds might look like, this should give you a good sense!