Liza LOU

The extraordinarily talented beadworkers of the Zulu people attracted US artist Liza Lou to move from her California home to Durban, South Africa. Well-known for her own large-scale works crafted from millions of glass beads, she established a studio that allowed her to be inspired by the local craftspeople while also effecting positive social change for the women now working alongside her. Now, with more than a decade spent in the community, both her understanding of the country and the inspiration it gives her continue to grow. We spoke with her about creativity, travel and the Zulu word for cellphone.