Lisa
Zatlo Bio
I
had an epiphany when I was 40! That suitcases were empty canvases waiting to be
painted. I have a very active imagination that often translates to "why
not?"
Then
after painting a couple of bags in 1999 and traveling with them I was inspired
by the joy and human connection that happened at baggage claim. People smiled,
started conversations with strangers and were happy after a long trip. So I
thought, why not paint some more?
I
do have a vision disability. (Fuch's endothelial corneal dystrophy and
cataracts in both eyes) but I don't have time or the right attitude to whine
about it. Life is too much fun and I love to laugh!
For
the the last 6 1/2 years I have been working with my dear friend Angela
Poasatiere a talented artist from New York on a handshake and couldn't be more
thankful and amazingly blessed. I design the pieces and pick the colors and she
lovingly transfers the images onto the suitcases. She is my angel.
Once
the pieces are finished they are no longer suitcases, they are now beautiful
valises. It's only been this year that I had a duh moment--some people call it
an aha! but since it took me 15 years I can't say that.
The
Valises are my autobiography. It was kind of shocking and humbling all at the
same time. Each of the pieces have a date of conception when I thought up the
idea for them and a birthday when they were completed. Some have taken over a
decade. I know we all have baggage. I still have baggage that needs a lot of
work. But it's nice to know that I have started making some a little more
beautiful.
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