18 Questions With...
Vanessa Schmidt

May 27, 2025

Vanessa Schmidt

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18 Questions With...
Vanessa Schmidt

May 27, 2025 1

Share this interview:

Vanessa Schmidt

"18 Questions With" is an interview series featuring the artists, curators, and gallerists driving art's next wave.

Vanessa Schmidt’s sculptures transform domestic castoffs into strange, evocative forms. Using wood, metal scraps, and textiles, she constructs skeletal objects that resemble furniture or familiar household fixtures—reduced, reassembled, and charged with new meaning. Her installations prompt a reconsideration of the emotional and symbolic lives of everyday things.

Q01:

When do you do your best work, day or night?

A01:

Day.

Q02:

What's the first thing you do when you step into your studio?

A02:

Sit down and wonder where to start.

Q03:

What's one tool or material you can't live without?

A03:

Books.

Q04:

What's inspiring you right now?

A04:

Spring.

Q05:

What are you listening to in your studio?

A05:

Brandy, Never Say Never.
Daft Punk, Random Access Memories.
SZA, SOS.

Q06:

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be?

A06:

Erykah Badu.

<p><em>Near Dark</em> (1987), directed by Kathryn Bigelow</p> — *Near Dark* (1987), directed by Kathryn Bigelow

Q07:

A filmmaker you admire?

A07:

I’m fascinated by the extremes portrayed in Kathryn Bigelow movies.

Q08:

What's one thing about the art world that you think people misunderstand?

A08:

The term "art world" sounds exclusive, while art should strive for inclusion and empathy.

Q09:

What's the best (or worst) advice you've ever received as an artist?

A09:

Hide your children (both best and worst advice).

Q10:

Favorite exhibition space?

A10:

Wherever my next exhibition will take place.

Q11:

What's the first thing you notice about people?

A11:

Their energy.

Q12:

Most recent purchase?

A12:

Lego Ninjago.

Q13:

Favorite libation?

A13:

Anything sparkling.

<p><em>Zami: A New Spelling of My Name</em> (1982) by Audre Lorde</p> — *Zami: A New Spelling of My Name* (1982) by Audre Lorde

Q14:

A book that everyone should read?

A14:

Audre Lorde, Zami: A New Spelling of My Name.

Q15:

If you could defy the laws of nature with one special ability, what would you pick?

A15:

Since war and conflict seem inherent to human nature, I wish to defy that tendency.

Q16:

What's a vice you wish you could give up?

A16:

Sugar.

Q17:

Is there a particular place that fuels your creativity whenever you visit?

A17:

Home.

Q18:

If you weren't an artist, what would you be doing?

A18:

I’d still live much the same way I do now, even without calling myself an artist.

All views expressed are solely those of the interviewee and do not represent UntitledDb.

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