photography | DEOGRACIAS LERMA
JOHN LANZADOR | ARTIST | CINCINNATI, OH
What was your first job?
I scooped ice cream for G.D. Ritzy’s. It was a fast food restaurant that served burgers, chili, and all that good stuff… but they were best known for their ice cream.
If you weren’t a ________, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t an artist, I think I’d be doing something in the performing arts—maybe acting, directing, or working in costume design. Something theatrical for sure.
What did you eat today?
I usually start the day with coffee and a pastry. It’s my little breakfast ritual.
What is your favorite place to grab a bite?
For breakfast, I love Two Seven Two Bakery. For lunch or dinner, Kung Food Amerasia hits the spot every time.
What is a skill or talent that you’ve always wanted to learn?
I wish I knew how to play an instrument. Piano or ukulele would be my top picks—I’d love to just sit down and jam.
What inspires you to create?
Inspiration is everywhere. I love visiting galleries and museums to get my creative juices flowing. Seeing other artists’ work really lights a fire under me.
What are you reading at the moment?
These days, my attention span is like a 4-year-old’s—so I mostly stick to comic books. My last read… Filipino Assassin by Jay Kalgayan. I actually got to draw a “pin-up” poster for it, which was awesome.
Any movies or shows you’d recommend?
I’m big into anime, so I’ll give you my current top 3: Demon Slayer (I even watched the movie premiere in Tokyo!), Dan Da Dan, and Chainsaw Man.
What are you currently working on or have recently completed?
I was the Artist-in-Residence for the REC in the Cincinnati Art Museum which won CityBeat’s Best Gallery Exhibit for 2025. In the next few months, I’ve got a speaking engagement coming up and a couple of tentative art shows on the calendar. One that I’m especially excited about is with the Creative Asian Society in January.
What is something you’re passionate about?
Hot dogs. Art. Collecting cool stuff. And just straight-up relaxing.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I was convinced I was going to be an actor or a singer. Total spotlight dreamer.
What are your music go tos?
I’m all over the place. I love ’80s new wave, Kendrick Lamar, Big Thief, and Bon Iver. It really depends on the mood.
Know any good podcasts?
I gotta shout out my own podcast: Art Hang. I’ve interviewed mostly Cincinnati-based artists. Hoping to add more episodes soon!
How do you define success in your creative pursuits?
Honestly, I just try to impress myself. I know that might sound a little narcissistic, but if I love what I’ve made, that’s enough for me.
Describe your best day ever?
Wake up around 7:30ish, coffee and a pastry with my wife, hit a museum, enjoy a killer lunch, watch one of my local sports teams win, and then wrap it up with drinks and laughs with friends late into the night. Perfect.
