maker: Zoe of Girl with the Flower
A friend recently told me “I love looking around your house. There’s so many unexpected things to see. It’s always fun to find them!” I’m not sure if she was talking about my son’s lego creations on my mantle shelf, the framed mirrors hanging on my backyard fence, the drinking fountain that we installed in our bathroom so that we wouldn’t have to deal with extra cups, or one of the other little fun things that makes our house a home. I love finding unexpected things in people’s art. Zoe has all sorts of interesting things peeking out of her creations. Come check out her unique style and her flowered creations!
-Angie Andre
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Zoe Schlacter. I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. I’m currently attending the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. I just finished up my freshman year.
What do you make or do?
I make all sorts of things. I make headbands and floral accessories, and I really enjoy DIY projects. I also really love to paint and make collages. At school, I’m majoring in textile design. This past year I have started experimenting with installation and performance work. Outside of school, I’m in the process of designing a line of jewelry and handbags, in collaboration with the Hong Kong-based brand, Candies Gifts. I think it’s important to do a lot of creative things at once. Different disciplines can inspire one another.
Where can we find your creations?
You can find my things on my personal style girl with the flower blog, or my art website: https://zoeschlacter.com or in my etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/girlwiththeflower
Is there an interesting story behind the name of your business?
I’ve been wearing flowers in my hair since I was thirteen. I bought a flower hair clip at a store in the mall, and I started wearing it every once in a while. I really liked the way it looked and the way it made me feel, so I started wearing it every day. I began collecting other flower clips. After a couple years, I started making my own flower headpieces with flowers, rhinestones, and plastic figurines. I first used the “Girl with the Flower” name for my blog at age fourteen. The name stuck, and now it’s my trademark and brand.
When you’re not making things, what do you do?
When I’m not making things, I enjoy spending time with my parents and my cat. I really like watching films and reading when I can make the time for it.
Did someone in your family, a friend or teacher introduce you to your creative side or have they helped you along the way?
My mother is a printmaker, painter, and a very creative person in general. We have always make things together. She encourages all my creative endeavors and gives me really helpful feedback on what I’m doing. I owe a lot of my dedication and enthusiasm about visual art to my mother’s influence.
Where do you find inspiration?
I gather inspiration from a variety of places. I try to read, look at art, and stay well-informed culturally. I tend to find a great deal of inspiration from my travels as well. I recently visited Tokyo, and I left with SO many ideas. I feel so energized and excited to make things: to sew, paint, put together outfits, blog, and make DIY projects!
What’s on the horizon for you and what you do?
I hope to continue to do more of the same! I will continue my education at the Rhode Island School of Design; I have three years left as a textile design major. I really love being a fine artist, but I also enjoy designing jewelry and accessories. I hope to have a future in both fine art and design.
