Heidi Zito
Heidi Zito – Portrait of Minoru
www.heidizito.com I www.greymade.com
Biography
Heidi is a Brooklyn based artist with roots in South Florida where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Florida State University. She moved to New York City in 2012 to pursue a Master of Fine Art in Photography Video and Related Media at the School of Visual Arts. Zito has been featured in several group exhibitions including Still Spotting NYC, a collaboration with the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, as well as a recent solo exhibition titled, Short Long Time at HERE in New York City. Zito’s studio is located in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn where she crafted In the Trees.
Q + A
How was your experience at FSU?
My experience at FSU was memorable and full of adventure. I started out as a biology major and by my sophomore year I changed my major to fine art, something I felt very passionate about and had hoped to build for the long term. In my senior year at FSU, I was to be part of the BFA and studio program at the BFA warehouse. I learned so much about working in and taking care of an artists studio that year. Being a part of this creative community helped me build unforgettable relationships with the students, staff, and faculty, which helped me explore contemporary painting bravely and with dedication.
Studying Studio Art at FSU has helped me understand the value of making mistakes and success. Overall, the program and faculty (especially Carrie Ann Baade) helped build a nurturing environment for students to work in, which allowed me to build a foundation for other creative endeavors ahead. The FSU Art community really cared about the values they were teaching the students and I think that made it a enriching experience for everyone.
Fanwood – Fine Art
What have you done since graduating?
After graduating, I wanted to learn more about photographic and digital arts to inform my oil paintings. In 2010, I attended The School of Visual Arts in New York City to join their MFA program for Photography, Video and Related Media. After receiving my Masters, I had my very first solo show at HEREart in NYC. Soon after I found a day job as a designer in various companies. Working as a designer has helped me support the financial side of my creative endeavors. I have a studio in Brooklyn, where I paint at odd hours in the day. I am currently working towards a new body of oil paintings.
I’ve worked as art director, product designer, and brand and communications designer for several companies, and my work has been featured in popular culture and media such as Parks and Recreation, “O” Magazine, and “Good Morning America.” Celebrities that have worn my original designs include Dax Shepard, Rashida Jones, and Kristen Belle.
Just recently, my boyfriend and I started a small apparel company that designs products for the creative journey. Greymade is a reflection of our personal commitment and love for the creative journey. We wanted to celebrate and immortalize the objects, tools, methods, and vices of those who make creative work.
What advice do you have for current art students?
- Surround yourself by creative people with good working habits and you will always be in a good place.
- Never forget the basics when building a new concept or work.