Tell us about your art and design background.
I’ve always been creative in some way or another. I used to be a photographer and screen printing is my newest passion! As for design, I’ve taken some photoshop classes and watched enough YouTube videos to get around in Illustrator.
We always appreciate working with local artists. How long have you lived in the area?
I’ve lived in Oregon most my life. I grew up in The Dalles and was living in Bend before I moved over to Eugene. I got a new job at an eco-friendly print shop that brought me over here!
Can you tell us some more about the meaning behind the artwork you created for the Latinx Heritage Month shirts?
The symbology of sun, roots and pyramid represent the regeneration of life. This is further emphasized by the seed shapes in the negative space of the sun rays. My dad came here from El Salvador in search of a new life. So to me this artwork embraces the hard work, sacrifices and patience to make way for the next generation.
There is a long history of art being used to communicate about social causes or celebrate the shared experience of communities, and it is becoming more common for consumer products to do the same. What is the value of these forms of expression?
There is some value in it broadening the audience that the art can reach. Maybe certain groups of people who wouldn’t normally see or hear about some social causes will be exposed to them. But I think it can also dilute the message or shift it in a non-productive direction. If only part of a message is being advertised on products people might miss the whole story.
For companies who decide to sell products with a cultural message, what responsibility do those brands have to do more than sell an item?
I think it’s very important to listen to the cultures about how they want to be portrayed and what is or is not ok to be used to represent them. If a brand just does their own “take” on a social issue or specific culture without consulting with those being used then it’s disrespectful. At the end of the day, they’re using someone else’s life to make their brand look cool or woke to increase their profits. So direct action to support the communities whose image/message is being used for profit and being involved in a meaningful way is important.
Where else can we see your work (online or in-person)?
You can find me on Instagram @zednemzap
Click here, to shop the Latinx Heritage Month collection designed by Paz Mendez.