Daily Inspiration: Meet Cyle Zablocki

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cyle Zablocki.

Hi Cyle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Briefly… I grew up the youngest of three boys. Always feeling in the shadow of others and searching for my own self expression/authenticity. The art started as doodles, collages and patchwork on my clothes until my mid twenties when I started studying fine art with a concentration in ceramic design. After graduating with my bfa I quickly realized how much it would cost to continue working with clay. In the financial space I was in fresh out of university I looked for ways to create in other mediums. In this moment I remembered the past and started using old shirts and pants to create bags and accessories with a hand stitch. The work really evolved from there. The hand stitch opened my eyes to other materials and processes that would put me in a position to continue learning in new and exciting ways.

After many years of personal struggle (starting, stoping and restarting in many ways) I was put in contact with a contractor. This initial interaction lead to a four year period of building and remodeling homes and other structures, during which I learned to work and create independently using the materials provided to the contractors specifications.

At the end of this four year period I realized it was time for a change. I was ready to do my own thing which was always percolating in the background. I have always been working to figure out a way to bring all these ways of creating together to form a style of work that was truly mine.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Haha, it’s been a super bumpy journey so far. It has its moment where it was smooth, they didn’t last long. I grew comfortable after a while with the struggle. Those feelings, the deep ones that no one really sees, is where the work comes from. It’s what pushes me toward creating something new, or tearing apart something old to bring it new life. Without these struggles/lessons and the repetition of struggles/lessons I would not be who I am and the work would not have the look or voice it has.

For many years I struggled sharing my work, I still do in some ways. The work didn’t feel right. Like it was missing something so I would hold onto it and wait. Sometimes I was waiting for the right person to come along. Sometimes I was waiting to tear it apart and use it for something new.
When you feel like you are walking in others shadows it’s difficult to be seen or want to be seen. This alone leads to all the other struggles I faced over the years. Which is ultimately the lack of confidence in self and who I am.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The work is a conglomeration of all the tools I have gathered over the years. I use many mediums to express my inner world, or in the case of custom work, someone else’s inner world and personality. Taking my style/techniques to authentic works that fit any aesthetic.

If I was know for anything I think it would be bags of all shapes and sizes. They are fun and spontaneous most of the time, evolving in style and technique from bag to bag.

What’s sets me apart from others? Style for sure, the ability to channel another (their style and personality) into my work and being open to them being involved as much as they want with the process. I am here to create for others what they may be unable to create themselves and more often then not I am able to do that with whatever is lying around the house 🙂

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I don’t follow a path, I don’t have a mentor and I don’t really network using any type of social media. I mean I have an online presence in a small way which is not really used for networking. I like to be out somewhere and meet people. Talk face to face about what they see in order grasp a better one innerstanding of myself and the world around me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Meanwhile.backatthelab
• Other: [email protected]