Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabella Zia Spagnuolo.
Hi Isabella Zia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was an extremely competitive kid growing up. Whether it was a sport, a game, or any small task, I always felt the need to be the best. One day on the playground, I noticed a girl drawing, and that familiar drive surged in me once again. That evening, I tried to draw on my own, but quickly realized I couldn’t. The next day, I set aside my pride and asked her to teach me. Soon, we were spending every recess drawing. For the first time, I wasn’t rushing to master something; instead, I allowed myself the space to learn patiently. I feel fortunate that this allowed me to find my passion at such a young age.
From then on, drawing became a constant thread in my life. Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, I continued to develop my skills, balancing my traditional education with classes at an art school, where I studied both visual art and digital art. When I came to SCAD, I intended to become an illustrator. While I loved drawing, it was too literal for me; I was drawn to texture, structure, something more. During my first year, while experimenting with drawing and building with thread in a 3D design course, I was encouraged to take a fibers class. The moment I walked into the textile design building, everything fell into place. I knew immediately that fibers would become the medium through which I could fully express myself through art.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
What is art other than revealing human nature? My art is a tangible depiction of my life and wouldn’t be what it is without struggle. I aim to engage viewers in conversations about the shared human experience. Every piece I create is an invitation for introspection. Pause, reflect, and consider the complexities of one another’s stories. So, no, it hasn’t been a smooth road. The conflicts are what the work is made of. Along the way, I’ve encountered the usual practical obstacles, such as the learning curves of print and textile processes, and the less tangible, deeper struggles: finding my place, learning who I am, what I value, and where I belong in the world. There have been long stretches of uncertainty and self-doubt, but those moments have shaped me just as much as the successes.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a textile artist drawn to weaving, knitting, and printmaking, though weaving has always been my deepest focus. My practice merges functionality and fine art. I’m especially inspired by the intersection of textiles and furniture. My work often draws inspiration from Iranian textiles as they connect me to my roots and the long history of storytelling that comes with them.
I’m proud of my journey, of the technical skills I’ve developed, my work ethic, and the drive that continues to push me forward. What sets my work apart is how I merge cultural inspiration with process-driven experimentation. I often find beauty in deconstruction, in allowing unraveling and imperfection to become part of the construction itself. For me, weaving isn’t just about creating form, but about exploring tension, balance, and the spaces in between.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I try my best to stay off social media and replace that time with learning. One of my favorite platforms is Substack; it’s kind of like Instagram, but with stimulating articles. I also love listening to podcasts, especially Ologies by Alie Ward, where she interviews experts in all kinds of fields from volcanology to anthropology. Documentaries are another big part of my routine; I often watch them on Kanopy or explore short artist stories on Art21.
These resources stimulate my mind differently. Since I’m so art-driven, I find it fascinating to learn about how the world works: science, history, and human behavior. This helps me gain that broader understanding of people and life around me, which ultimately reflects in my art, adding more depth and perspective to what I create.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaziaa/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabellaspagnuolo/
