FILM MAKER JESSICA ARZATE
This has been an incredible week for us sharing interviews with inspiring women artists and photographers from all over the world, who fascinate with their creativity. Today we speak to Jessica Arzate a film maker who was born in Mexico City. She left home at nineteen and became a nanny in the U.S. to be able to pay for her film studies in Spain. She recalls living on a budget in Madrid, which expanded her survival tools and shaped the way she sees the world today. Currently she is behind the lens working on documentary film projects.
Your greatest inspirations or influences?
There are so many! but I think human behavior and nature itself keep surprising me the most. I feel very attracted on how we relate to each other and the world we share. And also how the world relates to us. There is an unspoken language that requires our attention to be understood and this can give us endless creativity.
Tell us a bit about your creative process? things you are looking forward to this year..
My creative process is born from what I read, what I see, and what I hear, that is why I believe that research, curiosity and being present to what happens in our community is important. I am currently working on a series of short films related to prevent violence against women, which is a big topic in Mexico (and the world). I try to collaborate in projects in which I know that I can contribute with my voice, my opinion and my empathy.
How has this year affected your creativity?
The year of confinement gave me an overview of where I was investing my energy. I think I was wasting a lot ... Right now I am being more careful prioritizing my needs and I would not have made it without the forced pause. Without so many social activities I feel more connected to myself and therefore with my creative ideas.
Who do you consider to be an icon of our time?
Young girls! I am so impressed by the strength and determination with which they express new visions of the world.
Do you think the art world needs to change, and if so how do you feel it can improve?
I definitely think there is room for change and I see potential in creating opportunities through education. I think it would be very enriching to include art as a practice and / or subject in educational programs at all levels. I believe that understanding the importance of its existence can open up horizons about the world and the way we inhabit it. This would make our relation to art a more approachable one.
What does wellbeing mean to you?
Nowadays, I believe that wellbeing is in the coherence between our desires and our actions.