Valerie Zars makes art much in the way she built a life in letters—zig-zagging from one inspiration and opportunity to the next. Valerie spent many years in New York City as a poet and variously working across photojournalism, publishing and design before migrating three years ago with her musician husband to Asheville. Now, she’s fully invested in her disparate visual art.

Matt Peiken of See Hear went to the opening reception for “Distilled From Static,” Valerie’s solo exhibition at Revolve art center. Here, we meet Valerie and talk with the artist about where she’s coming from with her work.