Nancy Zastudil says it’s her “Protestant work ethic” that carries her through creating some of ABQ’s most interesting and well-attended contemporary art shows and gatherings. As the owner of Downtown’s Central Features Contemporary Art, Nancy curates shows that include some of the ‘Burque’s most innovative and talented artists, all of whose work she rightly identifies as “operating in the service of revolution and social progress.” So even though she doesn’t see herself as “a creative,” we all know better, don’t we?
Here’s a peek into what’s shaping Nancy’s work and thoughts right now.
Oh, and we sure hope you’re coming this Friday’s Talk Back event, which Nancy co-produced with CreativeMorningsABQ’s own Amy Slater as part of Harwood Arts Center’s Women & Creativity month. Talk Back is an extended working lunch packed full of intentional networking and focused conversation for women in various stages of creative entrepreneurial endeavors with leading women entrepreneurs of ABQ. If you’ve ever considered starting a business in this city, you won’t want to miss it!
On being an entrepreneur: I was raised in a family of self-starters. My mom was always doing “creative” things, my aunt was and is active in local politics and education. My grandfather started a community college in Columbus, OH. The story goes (or at least how I remember it) that he started the school in the basement of a local high school, using a shoe box as his briefcase. He made his fortune from his passion for education, and he was also able to have a side business as an antique furniture dealer. He rode motorcycles. He traveled. He valued his family. He was generous. He was intelligent. He has an incredible laugh. He was a powerhouse. As a kid, I had no idea how much of an influence he would have on me as an adult (he died when I was in high school), but wow. Sometimes I say he is my spirit animal. I write all of this to say that entrepreneurial work is in my blood.
On her practices for remaining focused and productive: In order to get things done, to come up with ideas and strategies, I need two things - sleep and “bad” TV. I often watch re-runs of Friends, Parks & Recreation, 30 Rock or Gilmore Girls while writing, or even trying to relax. I think knowing that the sitcom story/conflict in the background has already been resolved, and knowing that there is a distinct beginning and end to that story, helps my brain focus on other things. But what some people might call my “practice” I see as my nemesis: I’m stressed out 90% of the time. I haven’t slept well for several years. I live on chips + salsa + popcorn + coffee + wine. And I don’t get enough exercise. I am doing well if I get a run in twice a week. Work deadlines take priority. I really don’t recommend it.
On the things that keep her in Albuquerque: Challenge, progress, affordability, connection to a larger art conversation, attracting more out-of-state artists to visit and interact with local artists and students. The current downtown development and momentum are super exciting to me. The concentration of art spaces that are popping up on Central, 2nd St, in Barelas...I love that.
On Albuquerque’s creative identity:
I envision a city that embraces and encourages diversity, and understands the power it holds in terms of the (economic) appeal it provides to visitors and new-comers. I envision a city that welcomes and values the experiences of other growing cities, especially in terms of urban planning, downtown revitalization, and progress. And yes, public transportation! All while avoiding the whitewashing that so many of us know can easily happen. Other things that come to mind: increased support for small businesses, more artist-run venues, an awesome restaurant scene, a collecting contemporary art museum and a non-collecting contemporary art center.
On arts & the environment and Albuquerque’s unique position to lead: With the Arts & Ecology/Land Arts of the American West program at UNM, the Native communities, complicated land and resource histories, the natural landscape that draws so many people here...that and more puts NM in a position to be at the forefront of environmental progress, stewardship, research and more. I see New Mexico as having potential to be a major player in solar and wind power, in sustainable farming and building, and other eco-conscious practices. I want to help champion artists (and other business owners) who are part of that charge.
On her local “Creative Crush”: At the moment I am super curious about what Burque Noir (Ebony Booth, Carlos Contreras, Jen DePaolo) is up to. I think we will see some powerful things coming from their new collaboration [CM add – Burque Noir’s inaugural performance event will take place on March 26th]. I also love Meghan Ferguson, Gallery Director at Tamarind. Julia Mandeville (Chief Programs Officer at Harwood Art Center) has become a friend and confidant as well. Totally jealous (in the best way possible) of Raven Chacon and the work he is doing. I’m also pretty much in love with Jami Porter Lara and Kathy Brown.
On this month’s Creative Mornings theme - CHANGE: When I think of change, I think of flexibility, progress, and opportunity. The opposite of stagnation.
Connect with Nancy:
On Creative Mornings: https://creativemornings.com/people/nancyz
Visit Her Home on the Interwebs: http://www.thenecessarian.com/
And of Course: https://www.facebook.com/nancy.zastudil?ref=tn_tnmn
