Zai Divecha

Well that was a longer break from Instagram than I expected…! How is everyone doing?! What’s a highlight from your last year?! 😅 I’m slowly finding my way back into my studio and my art practice, and I’m hoping to catch up on sharing works that never made it onto the gram. Intersections (series) 2024 9.75”h x 9.75”w x 1.25”d P.S. I might also have to declare DM bankruptcy… I don’t think I have it in me to catch up on all my unread DMs! 🤭

She’s here. I still can’t believe it. We finally got to meet this sweet little person in late October. She was born face-up, a “stargazer,” which made for a challenging labor. I also had some blood pressure complications in the days following birth, but all is well now. It’s been so special getting to know her, and figuring out our new rhythms as a family. I’m immensely grateful for all of the care and love we’ve received from our community in this tender new chapter — and before that, on the long road to get to this point. I’m not planning to post much about her online, but I had to share a couple of my favorite shots to mark this milestone. Thank you to @robin_weir_photography for capturing these early days so beautifully.

Closing reception for the “Mountains and Molehills” exhibition at @heronarts this Thursday! Looking forward to seeing you. Thurs, Sept. 12th, 5-8pm Heron Arts, 7 Heron St, SF I did most of the work on this piece, titled “Wax and Wane,” during my artist residency at @penlandschool in North Carolina in January. Some of you might recall when TSA damaged a bunch of my paper sculptures… that was this project! I had to re-do hours and hours of work once I got home. 😒 This piece sold already, but there are other works in the collection that are still available. Contact director and curator Tova Lobatz for inquiries ([email protected]).

You’re invited to the closing reception of my solo exhibition “Mountains and Molehills” at @heronarts ! Thursday, Sept 12th, 5-8pm. If you’ve been meaning to stop by and see the show, definitely get this on your calendar. Hope to see you there! You can also make an appt to see the gallery at another time, if you’re not around for the closing. :)

If you missed the opening reception, come by @heronarts 11am-4pm on Saturday (tomorrow) — no appointment needed! If you’d like to come at another time, you can book an appointment with the gallery. ☺️ Thank you all for an incredible opening day! I was filled with so much joy to see old friends and new. I’m so touched by all of your purchases. Finding permanent homes for my work feels so good. 🥲 “Basmati No. 2” - available through @heronarts

CW: pregnancy I’ve spent the last couple years wondering if this would ever become my reality. But here we are. I’m 27 weeks pregnant, almost third trimester, and incredibly, everything is looking normal so far. 🥹 @philreyneri and I are beyond grateful. I can feel myself shifting into a new headspace – I’m feeling hopeful, making plans, and assuming (for once!) that this might actually work out. I couldn’t have imagined this a year ago. I feel immense gratitude for the loved ones who held me tight throughout the ups and downs — mostly downs — of the last two years, through miscarriage, infertility, doctor’s appointments, and grief. You know who you are. Loss and infertility will always be a part of my story, even as I close that chapter for now and begin a new one. Photos: @rmagnolias and @jasbacca

“Gully of Tears” — this piece will be part of my upcoming solo exhibition at @heronarts . Join us Sat, Aug 3, 6-9pm for the opening reception at 7 Heron St, SF. This exhibition, “Mountains and Molehills,” explores themes of loss, impatience, and grief. Many works feature objects that have been piled on top of one another, echoing the heaviness and weight of heartache. Email [email protected] to be added to the preview list.

See you Saturday, August 3rd — my solo exhibition “Mountains and Molehills” opens at @heronarts in SF! Come by 6-9pm for chai, samosas, and a LOT of new art. Excited to see you all! This is a quick sneak peek of what I’ve been working on this year. I FINALLY get to show you the finished works next weekend! If you’re interested in seeing the entire collection ahead of time (and/or calling dibs!), email curator Tova Lobatz at [email protected] — she’ll make sure you receive the advance preview before the show opens.

You’re invited to my upcoming solo exhibition! “Mountains and Molehills” opens at Heron Arts in SF on Saturday, Aug 3, 6-9pm. Come see what I’ve been working on this year!

We said goodbye to Simi last week. She was the love of our lives. Simi was a special creature. She was cat-like and aloof around new people, but joyful and feisty with her inner circle. She was gentle and calm with toddlers, but a menace to rodents. Phil adopted this sweetie pie street dog when he was 22, and she was eight or nine months old. When he and I started dating a few years later, it was clear that the two of them were a package deal. Early in our relationship, I vowed to Phil that I’d love her and care for her as if she were my own — a promise that proved easy to keep once she had wormed her way into my heart. Simi nearly made it to 16, much to our surprise, and her life was full of joy. She swam in lakes and pools, chased critters, and went on countless road trips and nature adventures with us. She accompanied one of us to work almost every single day for the last decade. This rascal played with her favorite treat ball for literally thousands of hours, and demanded to be pet in exactly the manner she preferred. When I was laid up in bed following a bad injury, Simi was my fierce protector — she didn’t leave my side for months, and had to be bribed with treats just to leave for walks. She was prioritized in nearly every decision Phil and I have made in our 11 years together. Simi lived a gloriously full life, and had a peaceful, dignified death. Her last day was filled with sunshine and tenderness, one last outing to Fort Funston, an entire steak, and a sweet goodbye at home in our arms, with a warm breeze blowing through the house. I know all of this, and am comforted by it… and yet the grief is almost unbearable. I can’t believe that I have to live every day of the rest of my life without her by my side. I’m so grateful to at least be going through this with Phil. I’ll probably continue sharing photos and videos of her on the @simipalooza account. It brings me joy to relive chapters of Simi’s life. I welcome any memories or observations you feel like sharing. Thank you for loving her and delighting in her, either in person or from afar. I love you, sweet Simi girl. - (Photo credit for images 1 and 2: @kindredweddings )

First impressions of Haystack Mountain School of Crafts! I’m here for a two-week, fully-funded artist residency, along with 50 of the most talented craftspeople I’ve never met. It’s been an absolute dream so far. Here are some of the moments and details that struck me in the first few days as I was getting settled. More to come as I get deeper into my work! Thank you, @haystack_school , for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Flax-processing cameo from my roommate at Haystack, @the_fiber_project — she grew that flax herself, and will be processing, spinning, and weaving it during her residency!

A tall and skinny piece, with an embroidered rope appearing to hold a column of spindles in place. In my next post, I’ll share some photos of what this piece looks like with harsh shadows instead of diffuse lighting! This piece was shown at San Francisco Art Fair last month by @heronarts . Contact the gallery for pricing. “Held” 2024 40”h x 12”w x 1.5”d Paper, embroidery thread