Meet Adam Izen | Artist, Designer & Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adam Izen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adam, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Okay, well–I’m not that delusional. I know my art is not saving the planet, curing cancer or even sticking it to the man, but I do like to think that my creations serve a higher purpose. Ever since I was little, I would see the world for what it could be rather than what it was. Neglected neighborhood lots would become beautiful secret gardens, boring buildings would be reconstructed into elaborate palaces packed with whimsy and magical features, the people around me were re-costumed into imaginative garments that defied modern physics and served absolutely no practical purpose. When my invitation to Hogwarts never arrived, I had to learn to create magic on my own. (Though, I did hold out for a few extra years hoping my letter was simply delayed and that I would be granted late admission.) Over the many, many years since then, it has become clear to me that my powers lie within being able to bring those childhood visions of fantasy into the real world. Through my art, (my hope is anyway), people are able to see and take part in a different version of this reality and in doing so, realize that the world exists the way it does because we have made it that way. So, through us, a better one is also possible.

On a more tangible level, I also do contribute to my community – I moved to a small town, Beacon, NY and have gotten involved with a local children’s theater, creating costumes and specialty fabrications for the kids. In 2021, I installed a large fantastical ballroom on top of the stacks in our town’s children’s library and filled it with 12 charming puppets dressed to the nines for their “Tails & Tales” summer reading program. Most recently, I have taken on a 9 year old “apprentice” who joins me for an hour in my studio each week and we design and execute a costume together from his imagination.

I think it’s hugely important to show kids that cool things can come from our imaginations and our two hands…not everything has to come from a computer/phone screen.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am still on my path of defining my art, but I grew up in theater and studied costume design, directing and dance in college. As a kid, I tinkered a lot, taught myself sculpture and developed a passion for making puppets – I even had a business in high school making them for people.

After college, I kind of put art behind me. I became increasingly entrenched in making sure I was financially stable and ended up with a career in the fashion industry.

As the pandemic settled in, I had more time again and my inclination is always to fill free time with making things, and so for the last two and half years, I’ve been creating at an unprecedented rate. From a series of whimsical puppets to recreating the Lion King headdresses, to an interactive 12’ ostrich dressed up as a showgirl, a NeverEnding Story mobile… I’m in a “take it as it comes” phase which is kind of nice because I’m learning new techniques and skills while building confidence with each project.

When I am creating for myself, my pieces often involve dressed up animals and creatures, showcasing a flair for the whimsical yet dramatic. I call it, “haute couture fairy tale.” My work is meticulously made by hand, and I don’t try to hide it. I want people to know that a human made it and that means that they too can make it (or, something like it) if they want. And I loooove to use old things in my pieces – vintage jewelry, repurposed textiles…they bring a sense of history and life to my creatures.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Dining & Drinking

Enoteca Ama is a cute little pizza restaurant right across the street from their big sis Amarcord. Ama is so delicious and affordable. Perfect for a great time without too much fuss. https://www.enotecaama.com/

Reserva Wine Bar is a definite must. Their wine list is always spot on and the staff is literally the nicest. They also regularly have live music (jazz, acoustic) and it’s just perfect. https://www.reservabeacon.com/

Shopping

Berte You have to visit my friend Aimée deSimone’s boutique. She’s a delight and her shop is filled with all the perfect gift items at just the right price. https://shopberte.com/

Flora Good Times is a dreamy flower and plant shop owned by Corinne Bryson. It’s been awhile, but I would occasionally freelance for her on wedding jobs and holiday prep – it’s worth a stop in! https://www.floragoodtimes.com/

Witch Please a metaphysical shop by Steven Truman and his partner Chad Wagner. I actually owe them a few pieces that will live there on consignment, which I am really excited about bringing by..very soon. https://www.lesloupsdelalune.com/

And….I mean, it’s the Hudson Valley, the most magical place on earth! The whole point in coming up here is to bounce around all the towns because there is always something cool and it’s always beautiful! Go to Storm King and Art Omi! Go wine tasting at Quartz Rock Vineyard (the views!), spend a summer evening taking in the gorgeous grounds of Buttermilk Inn and Spa then treat yourself to dinner at Henry’s on the Farm. Go for a hike to Madam Brett’s or walk along the river from Long Dock to Dennings point…or better yet, rent a kayak! There is no shortage of incredible things to do and see.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d have to start with my family who have always encouraged their weird son/brother – even when they weren’t exactly sure what to do with me. We have a family text thread that’s mostly just me sharing pictures of my work (“Look what I made, mom!”) and their support means the most to me. My Aunts Judy and Leslie have also championed me, inspired me and motivated me throughout my life.

My husband, Tyler, definitely deserves a shoutout. He once received a horoscope that said, “No messy babies” which is pretty accurate for him–but I am nothing if not a messy baby. I try to leave the door to my studio closed because I know the state it is often in instills a sense of mortal dread in him. He has also opened our home to 3 giant ostrich pieces that I have created over the years and has come to love them as family.

My college teacher, Prof. Mary Harkins is someone that really gave me the courage to see myself as a skilled designer/artist. I chose to pursue a BA program in school (as opposed to a BFA) and was often treated by instructors like I wasn’t serious about creating art – that I just needed to know the theory around it. My critiques were often not very insightful or meant to help me get anywhere. Towards the end of one of my costuming courses with Mary, in an individual critique she told me that I had really surprised her with my design ability, that I had a natural eye, and had put colors together that she never thought would have worked – but the piece had turned out beautifully. She encouraged me to pursue design further. This nugget of recognition has stuck with me as a whisper in my ear when I begin to doubt myself.

I am thankful for my new community here in Beacon, Ginny Figlia who was at the Howard Public Library and let me bring in my insane installation. Jake, Kate and Tim at Beacon Performing Arts Center who invite me to work with them and the kids on really fun projects. Darya Golubina, Evan Samuelson, and Chris Ams at Beacon Open Studios who not only allowed me to show with them, but encourage me and see me as a peer even though they are all incredibly talented fine artists and I make…puppets.

And I can’t not shoutout by best friend, Mari Haraldsson, who is my biggest advocate, therapist and coach. She believes in me far more than I believe in myself and I can’t express enough gratitude that she is in my life and offers her support – even from Sweden, where she now lives.

Website: www.adamizen.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siradamizen/

Image Credits
Myself & Tyler Bush