Art, in all its forms, is a mirror reflecting the artist's soul. It is a journey from mere interest to passionate pursuit, often sparked by a defining moment. Zo, an extraordinary photographer and fluid artist, embodies this journey with her evocative landscapes and mesmerizing color palettes. From her early days experimenting with her parents' digital camera to mastering the art of fluid creations during the pandemic, Zo's path has been one of constant evolution and discovery.
In this exclusive interview, Zo opens up about the moments that ignited her passion, the profound influence of nature on her work, and the evolution of her style. She delves into the challenges of the art industry, the transformative potential of Web3, and the personal significance of photography in her life. Join us as we explore the intricate layers of Zo's artistic journey, uncovering the stories behind her creations and the essence of her identity reflected in her art.
Mismir ( Eduard – E ): Everyone has interests, but there's often a defining moment when an interest transforms into a true passion. Can you recall that pivotal moment in your life when you said, “Fuck it. I am embarking on this creative journey”?
Zo ( Z ): For me, when I started to get into photography I was in year 8 at school (12/13 years old) and I loved to take photos on my parents’ little digital camera and my phone. I started to get a true passion for photography when I started studying it at the ages of 16-18 and started learning more about photography and the technical and emotional sides of it. I am not very good with my words and using photography as a way to portray certain moods/feelings helped me.
My fluid art and love for abstract art started during the first COVID lockdown and I was browsing on TikTok and saw videos of people making canvases and all different techniques. I watched them for hours and YouTube videos of how to create them and then I ordered all the equipment I needed and spent months just creating different physical canvases and color palettes. Then it wasn’t until a few months later I decided to try and digitalize them and start to sell them as NFTs and I thought I love to do this and I am having so much fun too.
E: Every artist draws inspiration from various sources, whether it's people, places, experiences, thoughts, or introspection. Who or what has been your most significant muse, and why?
Z: Nature is my muse. I love to go for walks and explore new places, I have a love for fog and moody environments which can be seen a lot in my photography. I love how nature can tell a million different stories and I love to do that within my photography. Nature is also a huge inspiration in creating color palettes, I often see things or go to places and then I am inspired to try and make a color palette off of that scene.
E: Whenever I have the privilege of chatting with artists, I enjoy inviting them on a journey of reflection. Thinking back to your early days when you either took the camera into your hand or started creating your beautiful palettes, and progressing to today, how would you say your style and approach have evolved from those initial moments to now?
Z: Looking back at my photography journey from 2016- now I feel that everything has led up to here. I explored a lot of different photography in my early years (mainly portraits) to now creating cinematic nature shots. I think I had to explore photography a lot to find my style which I feel like I have established very well now. With fluid art, it took me a long time and a lot of practicing to be where I am and I believe I still have much more to learn in that field.
E: To me, art is a mirror, reflecting our very essence, regardless of its form. Whether it's music, painting, poetry, or fashion, they all reveal our core values, beliefs, and facets of our identity. With this perspective in mind, how do you feel “Zo” is reflected in your creations?
Z: I feel that ‘Zo’ is reflected through my love for nature and the outdoors, my love for little details, and my love for color (especially the darker, moodier, and especially green colors).
E: Apart from being the undisputed Queen of Color Palettes, you are also an outstanding photographer. The emotions your pieces evoke are truly remarkable. What inspires you to choose the landscapes or elements you capture, and what do you wish to convey through your photography?
Z: Nature and my surroundings very much inspire me to go and create. Often I take photos in locations that are close to me or places that I find special (the woods/fields close to my house) and that often remind me of my childhood. I am very influenced artistically by horror films because I used to watch them a lot growing up so I think that they have a huge impact on my style of photography.
I love to also capture little details within nature (raindrops or patterns on leaves) to create stories and build to the atmosphere.
E: Despite the importance of artists in our lives, many have had their voices silenced by the current workings of the art industry as a whole. I’ve never loved this aspect, as I’ve seen many talented artists unable to pursue their passion for this very reason. I hope for change, and I believe that change is imminent with the advent of Web3. How do you see the Web3 space impacting artists' journeys and transforming the art industry?
Z: I think that web3 is great for giving new, upcoming, or even artists who have been in the industry for a long time a platform to grow and get their art seen. Every artist deserves to have their art seen and their stories heard. With web3, in particular, many people from all over the Earth are able to connect, share with one another, and build relationships.
E: On the surface, this question may seem straightforward, but it carries a deeper significance for me. How do you personally perceive photography’s role and value in your life? Why do you think photography despite its profound impact on us, often doesn't receive the recognition it deserves for the influence it exerts on our lives and well-being?
Z: Photography is everything to me, my camera is my prize possession other than my dog. It's about capturing the beauty of life and the beauty of this world. I always take a camera with me everywhere, whether I'm on a nature walk or having a chilled day with my friends, or going to a concert. Capturing memories, moods, and stories means so much to me and I know looking back on them photos will always warm my heart.
I think that a lot of people use photography to tell stories when words cannot and I related to that a lot because I am not very good with words myself; so being able to tell a story visually is very helpful.
E: As mentioned earlier, I see art, regardless of its form, as a reflection of ourselves. Among the myriad of creations you've brought to life over time, is there one in which you feel you've most deeply embedded your essence?
Z: I think my photo ‘Morning Light’ embodies my essence the most due to the signature green color that I use a lot in my photography, especially in my earlier photography. Also because it was taken in the woods that I spent so much time in whether I was walking my dog, playing with friends during our childhood, or taking photos during the fog/snow, it is just a place and a photo that whenever I see it, it reminds me of home and where I am from.
E: If you're creating a 1/1 piece for the Mystic's Garden Genesis Drop, could you offer us a glimpse into the narrative or concept behind this exclusive work?
Z: For the ‘Mystic Garden’ 1/1 genesis drop, I am creating a collage of 4 black and white photographs taken from different times that I have been walking home. The walk I often find very lonely, dark, and cold, so within the series of photos in the collage I have tried to portray those emotions.
The 4 photo collage will also include a 1/1 physical print to the winning bidder.
E: What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Z: This one is way too hard to pick just one because I love karaoke so much. Whenever I am in another country I always make it a priority to find a karaoke bar. It's quite hard to pick just one so if I had to choose it would be either What's Up? By 4 Non-Blades, Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi, and Believe by Cher.
As we conclude this exploration of Zo's artistic journey, it's clear that her work is a blend of nature's beauty, cinematic influence, and heartfelt storytelling. Her insights offer a glimpse into the mind of an artist who captures the world through a lens of emotion and creativity.
To stay connected with Zo and witness the evolution of her art firsthand, be sure to follow her on her social media platforms: Lens, Instagram, and Twitter. Dive into her world, where each photograph and fluid art piece tells a unique story, inviting you to experience the deeper realms of nature and emotion.
The artistic journey doesn’t end here.
Season 2 of Storied Strokes, a collaboration between Mismir and Mystic Garden continues, bringing you closer to the most intriguing and inspiring artists from around the world. Stay up to date with our upcoming features, discover the next artist in the spotlight, and never miss a release by following us on social media ( Twitter - Lens - Instagram - Farcaster).
Thank you!
