About Zak
The Beginning:
Education and Evolution
Zak
was born in Butte, Montana in 1944, to a hardrock miner and his wife.
He was nine months old when the family moved to Livingston,
Montana, where his father began working for the railroad.
Zak's parents, Hank and Amanda, were both craftsmen.
His mother still enjoys her artistry today.
Overcoming
being dyslexic and barely able to read, Zak entered Montana State
University, Bozeman in 1962.
He speaks fondly of mentors Robert DeWeese, "who taught me to
really draw," and Frances Senska, who introduced him to The Art of
Ceramics.
After
a stint in the San Francisco Art Institute, developing his drawing even
further under the eye of Alvin Light, and at the same time working more in
ceramics with Manual Neri, Zakovi returned to MSU in 1966 to finish a BSA.
He
then began graduate work in Humanities.
An extension program took him to Arizona State University to study
at Paolo Soleri's Cosanti Foundation.
He stayed in that state at the University of Arizona as a teaching
assistant and completed his MFA with honors in 1969, returning to Montana
in 1970 to begin his Artistic career.
This
diverse and inspiring education, combined with his own determination,
intelligence, talent, and experience, enabled Zak to become the
Artist/Craftsman and disciplinarian he is today.
The
Disciplines
Drawing/Painter
- 1995 to Present
Today
Zakovi looks back and explains, "I began drawing for pleasure in
grade school and now see the drawing (sketching) has been my staff through
five disciplines and three decades of endeavor.
Drawing has been my entry point for woodwork, leatherwork,
building, architecture, sculpting and painting.
For me, drawing is a third dimensional activity, done with my hands
and held to view or store."
This
discipline is evident in the rich textural imagery of his flat work, the
result of Zak's unique usage of mixed media, including conte pencils,
acrylics, oil, and his own invention of material on which to draw and
paint.
Zak's
knowledge, love, and appreciation of nature is visible in his landscapes,
which, being fantastical and familiar at the same time, evoke both
intellectual and sensual response.
Leather
Work - 1965-1971 and 1996 to Present
Leather
began as a media exploration for Zakovi.
"Another material to manipulate and learn to use
sculpturally," he explains.
It was during graduate school in 1969 in Tucson that Zak became so
successful with his leather bags for men and women that they were featured
in Gentleman's Quarterly and Vogue magazines that year.
His vests, bags and other leather accessories were sold in
boutiques throughout the United States, including Hawaii.
A photo profile of his leather work was requested and is included
in the Museum of Contemporary Crafts in Washington, D.C., which led to the
inclusion of Zakovi's work in Leather, a book published in Holland,
featuring 1960's international leather craftsmen.
Designer, Builder, and Master Woodworker
1972 - 1984
Zakovi began as a union laborer, then carpenter, moving on up to foreman, then superintendent until he began his own construction company. In time he took the next step, becoming a construction manager and project manager.
He designed and hand-built fine homes and commercial buildings in Montana from 1972-1983. The business evolved to a high craft and Art form through Design.
Zak's Woodshop grew out of the need for doors, windows, cabinets and furnishings in the homes Zak designed and hand-built at the time. The woodshop also produced bid and commission work for architects, other contractors, universities and corporate properties. An injury ended this endeavor and led to a career in construction/project management.
Master Builder -- 1984 to Present
As a construction manager, project manager or owner's representative, Zakovi has worked on numerous major projects in excess of $2 million, consulting with owners, architects and contractors to coordinate the project scheduling, cost and quality control, hiring personnel, subcontractors and purchasing materials. The end result is a job done for the price agreed, to the quality level described, and on time.
Zakovi is also a Federal Building Inspector. Inspecting on site perfromance of divisions 1 through 14, for Federal building projects. A professional Engineer's position.
Sculptor -- 1961 to Present
Zak has created numerous sculptures in wood, ceramics, bronze, steel, maché and more recently in stone.
First it begins with a stone hunt. When Zakovi lived in the Southwest his preference was to go on expeditions within the Apache Nation searching out stone in its natural setting. In Montana he finds stone in his special places, as well as in quarries. But, the criteria is the same -- finding a stone that "I've got to have," Zak says.
Concept sketches take place in restaurants and on index cards in the predawn hours. Then once the stone is set on a turntable and Zakovi begins working with lights and chalks, its a matter of following a trail of "yes's."
"To my amazement, this most arduous material and work has allowed me my spontaneous expression," he explains. "I think it has to do with meeting my match, i.e.., the stone and work absorbs my fiery energy which allows the more light-hearted, lyrical, sensual sense to be expressed."