Check Out Zaskia Villa’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaskia Villa.

Zaskia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started dancing and performing at the age of three. Since then, I have sought different mediums with which to express myself creatively, including poetry, theatre, photography and music.

Along the way, my artistry became much more than simply writing a song or taking a photograph; art transformed into a tool that I could utilize to explore myself and to ask deeper questions about the human experience.

As I was growing increasingly aware of myself and those around me, I noticed a massive elephant in the room: depression.

It was present in my home, at parties and get-togethers. It was present in the people that were closest to me. This realization sent me spiraling into a new journey of questions. Psychology became a subject that I read about for leisure up until I decided to pursue it in school.

I am currently a musician with a first album on the rise, a freelance portrait photographer, and an upcoming documentary filmmaker specializing in experimental film at a local production company.

My greatest dream is to merge my artistic talents with psychology to create immersive, hypnotic community experiences for people suffering with depression. I want deeply to help others recognize how much control they have over themselves. I want to help others become aware of who they are, what they want and what they need.

I tell my own stories of self-exploration in my music and I plan to utilize filmmaking to explore treatment for depression further through stories of psychedelic medicine and mindfulness.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Because I am so passionate about helping others with depression, I have spent a lot of time healing my internal wounds to understand what this work looks like. I’ve made myself my own lab rat and have tried various ways of getting myself out of dark mental spaces.

Through this, I’ve learned that sadness looks different for everyone and no one can be saved by anyone but themselves. I’ve also learned that although support is all we can give, sometimes that can be enough to help someone stay on their feet.

This process has not been easy for me. Going internally to unravel trauma, dark thoughts and shame isn’t easy for anyone.

But trying to understand and learn how to flow through this miraculous experience of being human is my primary motive. It’s my motive for dancing and writing poetry, for matching guitar chords to words, for wanting to share my soul with strangers… for wanting to be of service in the mental health space, and for simply… living.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others? 
At this point in time, most of my artistic work revolves around photography and music; however, I’d say I’m most known for my photography. At this point in time, I’m focusing on portrait photography.

I’m extremely attracted to capturing people in their unique, authentic spaces – specifically those of artists’. I’m intrigued by using my own lens to showcase the art in the ways they live. Because of this, I’ve started taking portraits of artists in their homes and studios. It’s a practice I want to continue expanding.

I’ve learned that photography in these cases is not so much about the camera – it’s all about the human connection throughout the process of the shoot. The photos are just the aftermath. It’s invigorating!

With all this said, and to answer another one of your questions, I am very proud of myself for taking the time to explore myself as a person and as an artist. If there’s anything that sets me apart from others, it’s the message I want to send out into the world – it’s one I’ve given much thought and energy to.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One that comes to mind is playing Mrs. Santa in my third grade play called “Wake Up, Santa Claus!” I remember the first scene began with only myself on stage, rocking in a chair with my hair spray-painted white. I remember the sounds of the audience behind the curtain quieting down and hearing myself breathe. The curtains slowly opening and the stage lights coming on. The rush! I remember the rush of adrenaline.

Contact Info:

• Website: zaskiavilla.persona.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaskiavilla/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ruYoJJfLkXBAE26hYsnfQ