How long have you lived on the Beaches? I was born here! So about 20 years, minus a few for being away.
What’s your favourite beach? I have always had a soft spot for Shelly. If you told me that I was in the busiest city in Australia I wouldn’t believe you. What do you mean I can go snorkelling with turtles in Sydney?!
What’s the best thing about the Beaches? The people here are real doers. We love making the most of our days and we love being outside. That’s my kind of crowd.
If you had to live anywhere else in the world, where would that second-best place to live be? My first home away from home was Canada. I did a few ski seasons and a summer and haven’t stopped dreaming about mountains ever since.
What inspired your cover art? After returning home from Canada last year I used painting to reacquaint myself with the places and things I loved. On this particular day my friends and I left work early to go snorkelling and soak up the summer sun at Shelly. A moment of pure magic I knew I had to capture!
And what inspires your work in general? I’m heavily inspired by my surroundings and memory. I love people watching and noticing how they interact with the natural world. I think my best works always come from happy times spent outside.
How would you describe your art? My art is a love letter to the environment and how people enjoy its beauty. If I can capture even an inch of this magic, I’m happy.
What is your favourite part of the process? I get very caught up in the fruition of a piece. I’ll be out walking and notice a moment, someone sitting on a rock or swimming in a certain way. I become completely obsessed with the image. It’s like a scratch I cannot itch until I’ve got it out of my system through paint.
Which artists or other inspiring people, dead or alive, would you most like to have dinner with? My favourite artist is Gabrielle Penfold. I love that she uses paint to celebrate life and her surroundings. I think there is something profound in the art of noticing something special in the everyday.
How did you discover you had a gift for art? I think I’ve always loved creating but I properly gave painting a go in year 10 of high school and it just felt right.
Did you study art? I studied Design at UNSW, majoring in graphic design and textile design, so there was definitely some art involved.
What are you currently working on? Well, I’m currently travelling in Europe. I want to hike as many mountains as possible and swim as much as possible. My goal is to be a little sponge and soak everything up so I can come home feeling inspired and ready to paint a new collection.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do? I love how free painting makes me feel. I’m annoyed when I have to stop to drink water or eat. I just love being completely contained in my process.
What advice do you have for young or aspiring artists? Just go for it! Reach out to as many people as you can, post as much as you can and create as much as you can. You have absolutely nothing to lose and only the entire world to gain!
Are there any words of wisdom you’re often guided by? You will never regret living kindly.
How can people buy and support your artwork? I’m just starting out, so the best way you can reach me is via Instagram on @zoepearsonart
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