Following on from Tea with Moxie, our herald, she has become interested in the many different kinds of members in The Stove Network. She has been catching up with and speaking to various members, and we’ll be introducing one every Friday over the next wee while.
This week, Moxie has been speaking to Denise Zygadlo.
Denise has lived in Dumfries since 1980, moving from London with her husband to start a cabinet-making business and raise four children. As the children grew, she gradually returned to her artwork, beginning with running art classes and community projects, making quilts and wall hangings (e.g., the 1996 Thornhill quilt hanging in Thomas Tosh).
Having studied printed textiles at Winchester School of Art, her interest lies in printing and cloth, and she has developed her own practice, focusing on drawing and exploring the relationship between the human body and cloth, through the use of photocopied images and transfer printing onto fabric.
Her work has been exhibited in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and in ‘Affordable Art’ shows around the country and abroad. She has also had two solo shows at The Mill on the Fleet and Gracefield Arts Centre.
Portrait of an Artist – a short film by Jo Hodges and Roger Lever
Did your life take an unexpected direction? Suddenly finding myself saying “further education in art” when asked about career moves at school. Moving to Scotland. Discovering I was pregnant with our fourth child and singing with him 23 years later on his first album. Becoming part of the psychology department in Dumfries. Being a mushroom on wheels with Oceanallover. And lots more.
What is your greatest fear? Driving on an eight-lane freeway in America.
Tell us about your creative process? Looking at inspiring images and talking to inspiring people. Making notes and drawing.
What is your earliest memory? The dressing-up box.
What drew you to The Stove? The first meeting at Parton—the energy, vision, and determination of the core group, and the excitement of it all happening in Dumfries.
Share your hopes and dreams for The Stove? That it becomes a place where everyone feels comfortable visiting and enjoying.
What keeps you in and around Dumfries? Family, friends, the landscape, art opportunities, and support.
What did you want to be when you were growing up? A dancer.
What’s been the most exciting part of the Stove process for you? Seeing the activities they create and put on outside in the centre of town, where everyone can get involved.
What makes you feel alive? Performing.
What songs do you carry closest to your heart? Ella Fitzgerald songs, music by my son Rudi, and ‘Lovin’ You’ by Minnie Riperton.
What’s your role within The Stove organisation? An ordinary member who likes to get involved.
How would you like to be remembered? Often.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Let go.
What’s your dream for the arts in D&G? That it continues to grow in all directions, as it seems to be doing now.
