Zen
Queens, N.Y.
“serving as an outlet to dissect my emotions and speak my mind visually”
Zen is a surrealist artist hailing from Queens, New York. Growing up in a fast-paced place that is filled with many cultures allowed her to make her art and personality dynamic. It also gave her an international mindset; she understands the importance of travel and cultural exchange. New York has allowed her to be exposed to many different perspectives. Outside of New York in Atlanta, she has been able to experience her vibe attracting her tribe, by meeting other inspiring and ambitious creatives like herself.
Art came naturally to Zen, however, as she grew up she became more intentional with her art and message. Art for her is an expression, it allows her to feel free and confident. She has a deep understanding of the importance of art and the things that you take in on an everyday basis. Her art is a reflection of where she stands mentally, spiritually, and physically in life. Even as her art started to take on more meaning as she grew up, she still makes it an effort to be in touch with her inner child. Tapping into her inner child allows her to keep the imaginative, vibrant, and creative aspects of her work. She stressed the importance of “bringing out that fun and vibrancy that was once so intrinsic to us as children.”
Some places, people, and things that she is inspired by are the Caribbean, the 70’s and 90’s, and music. The funk movement, seeing pictures of her mom from the 70s, and the edginess of the ’90s amazed her. Zen has a strong sense of originality and these times were full of that. One of the music icons that we discussed was Missy Elliot, she paid homage to her beats and innovation. She is inspired by Missy on a soul level. Even as a visual artist “music has a deep influence” on Zen. Music allows her body to flow and feel the chain reaction to her mind, body, and hands.
What represents Zen’s work is the composition, detail, flow, intention, and incorporation of spirituality. “All of my work has some symbols that reflect my spirituality that mean a lot to me.” The “essence of technique” is also imperative for Zen. Her alma mater, High School of Fashion Industries, helped her to enhance the skills that she already possessed and to become knowledgeable of art history.
“Passion is number one, because passion is the drive…”
Art has impacted her life by “serving as an outlet to dissect my emotions and speak my mind visually.” Her art is her journal and blueprint for her emotions. Her art allows her to create a space that uplifts her mood despite the hardships that she may be facing. She also found that other people have a similar reaction to her work, “they feel enlightened and stimulated.” Zen is also able to learn through other people's interpretations of her work. Her works of art are conversation starters which are a great catalyst for learning. She described art as her best friend, she wants to see it in different lights and forms as they both grow and change together.
“Passion is number one because passion is the drive”. Zen discussed how passion keeps her going forward and how it's evident when passion is not involved. “When you have passion you can definitely feel that heart chakra movement in what you’re doing. It’s just very important to have passion for what you love and passion for the things you want to do in life.” Our heart chakra is responsible for free-flowing love, compassion, and empathy. Passion and the high vibration of dance allow for her heart chakra energy to improve creativity. Meditation through dance and creating is important to Zen because it allows her to feel freedom and clarity. It helps her to tap into her higher self, God, and to just rely on a pure stream of consciousness.
Zen loves all of her drawings because they represnt different parts of her life. Despite that, she shared an art piece that is unofficially titled “Love at First SIght.” This piece was expressive of seeing a love at first sight and contemplating whether or not you can grow and trust this person. She talked about love and the importance of knowing what she needs in a relationship and how that piece reflects her respecting her boundaries romantically through using intentionality and wisdom. She moved on to talk about how love is a commitment and the raw emotion that piece evokes.
Zen would love to see her art brand expand globally and digitaly. She wants to establish a legacy and a personal gallery “along with other amazing artist” that she would curate. If you want to see more from Zen follow her @worldwarbutterfly and @worldwarzen on instagram.
