Dancing Words
Zaji Cox reflects on pursuing her passion for artistic expression, embracing neurodivergence, and finding her publishing path
Step into the captivating world of Zaji Cox, a multifaceted artist whose talents for writing and dance were evident almost from birth. Her journey illuminates the paths of writing, dance, and navigating neurodivergence.
I met Zaji at our neighborhood bookstore, Annie Bloom’s, and sat down with her to delve into her unique journey, exploring her fusion of poetry and dance, her experiences in the publishing world, and the challenges and triumphs she's faced as a woman of color and a neurodivergent artist.
Navigating the Publishing Landscape
Zaji's passion for storytelling emerged early, as she began crafting tales at the age of nine. Her memoir published in 2023, Plums for Months, breaks the conventional boundaries of genres, blending poetry, prose, and photographs.
Zaji's publishing journey reflects the evolving landscape for marginalized voices. From self-publishing at a young age to partnering with a supportive publisher, she highlights the changing dynamics in the industry.
Her journey takes a magical turn when she meets her publisher at a garden party. What began as a casual conversation transformed into a publishing opportunity, emphasizing the serendipitous nature of artistic connections. The publisher recognized Zaji's unique voice and believed in the value of her work, leading to a partnership that felt almost destined.
Zaji emphasizes the importance of respectful collaboration during the editing process, ensuring her authentic voice shines through. The challenges of self-promotion as a neurodivergent individual led her to appreciate the value of seeking assistance and embracing the support of a publishing team.
A Fusion of Poetry and Dance
Zaji's childhood, influenced by her sister's gymnastic pursuits, laid the foundation for her athletic endeavors. Her evolution was marked by a shift from competitive gymnastics to a focus on the creative freedom offered by dance. She has embraced its expressive elements, moving beyond traditional confines.
Her recent experimentation involves combining poetry and dance, creating a mesmerizing synergy of words and movement. Inspired by past experiences performing to spoken word pieces, she records her own voice reciting poems, weaving a captivating visual and auditory tapestry.
Embracing Neurodivergence, Connecting through Art
Zaji's neurodivergent journey has become a focal point of her narrative. The challenges and uncertainties surrounding her seizure disorder unfolded in an essay that resonated deeply with readers facing similar struggles, and she has written about being on the autism spectrum in other work. Zaji's ability to navigate and express her experiences provides inspiration and reassurance to others dealing with neurodivergence.
For Zaji, the most rewarding aspect of her artistic endeavors is the ability to connect with people. Whether through published works or dance projects, she values the impact her creations have on others. Reviews from strangers who resonate with her words affirm the power of storytelling to bridge gaps and create meaningful connections.
Words of Wisdom & Future Aspirations
Zaji's advice to aspiring artists lies in self-belief, resilience, and the willingness to seek help when needed. Embracing individuality and understanding the importance of collaboration are crucial lessons she imparts.
“If you have a story or message to share, it is definitely worth sharing.”
As Zaji looks ahead, she anticipates a future filled with more writing, dance projects, and the exploration of new ideas waiting to be expressed.
You can learn more about Zaji’s work at ZajiTheArtist.com, and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
Zaji's journey is a testament to the transformative power of art in breaking boundaries, connecting with others, and embracing one's unique voice. As she continues to illuminate the way with her words and movements, Zaji invites us to join her on a journey of creativity, resilience, and the joy of self-expression.
