SHY Girl ~ Zoe Winters, my spring artist discovery w the most refreshing creations
Hi babies <3
Shy girl interviews are back and bigger and better and I can’t wait to collect more special guests to pick their brain, learn some new things and highlight their work or overall ultra-interesting lives! I love living in my city soso much since Mtl is truly filled with an abundance of cool spots and creative energy. My current favourite cafe Foil Gallery is equally a cafe to enjoy and an art gallery. They feature amazing artists with original, unique exhibits and they also have this immersive viewing room (think Frank Ocean listening sessions and displaying artists’ projects). I stumbled across Zoe Winter’s exhibit this month, Until It Becomes Clear and immediately fell in love with her nature inspired, refreshing pieces. She is a fellow Canadian artist, Vancouver based and I am honoured she took the time to chat with me about art and life!
Love,
Dove + Zoe
1. Give us the 411. Who is Zoe Winters?
Hello! I’m Zoe, I’m an artist that loves all things interesting and cute.
Growing up, I really loved media and video games from Asia, mostly because the warmth and friendliness in the characters felt like an outlet during a time that was pretty difficult for me. They brought me a lot of happiness when I often felt alone, and I spent a lot of time drawing them because of that. In hindsight, it makes a lot of sense why I’m doing what I’m doing now.
I ended up studying Japanese throughout middle school and high school, and then went on to get my Bachelor of Arts in painting and drawing from the University of Washington, while also minoring in Japanese. I’m deeply influenced by artists within the Superflat movement, as well as Impressionism and Surrealism, and I think those sensibilities naturally find their way into my work.
I grew up spending a lot of time outdoors, and that experience continues to shape how I see the world. I’ve always felt a quiet presence in nature, as if something is living within everything around us, and my work is a way of giving form to that feeling. I hope my characters make people feel understood and included. I want them to feel like a hug when you experience them. I think it’s important to feel a strong emotion when looking at art.
I love that you’re so inspired by Asian culture because I am too especially anything Studio Ghibli. I also couldn’t agree more about feeling like nature is incredibly personified and alive around us.- Dove
2. What's your biggest passion and what inspires you the most?
I think my biggest passion is creating work that feels like a kind presence for people.
Growing up, I really held onto characters and imagery that made me feel less alone, so now I feel really connected to making that same kind of feeling for someone else. I like the idea that a painting or a small character can sit with someone, even quietly, and make things feel a little lighter.
I really care about that emotional connection. When something feels warm or comforting in a way you can’t fully explain, that’s what I’m always chasing in my work.
I feel like we all grewup with characters that helped us emotionally and feel less lonely :’)
3. Where are three of your absolute favourite travels and why?
My favourite place to travel to is Japan. I love the food, art, architecture, and language, and I always find so much inspiration visiting museums and galleries in Tokyo. One of my favorite memories is feeding the deer in Nara… although I did end up getting chased by them. Next on my list is Naoshima Island.
I also really love Paris. Seeing Monet’s paintings in person was unforgettable, and I’m always drawn to the food, architecture, and fashion there. It’s a city I could easily spend much more time in.
And I have to include somewhere tropical - Maui is one of my favorites. It’s incredibly relaxing, with amazing swimming and snorkeling. I always find myself coming back to Hawaii and Mexico when I want to fully unwind.
Amazing amazing favourite travels and I can’t wait to go to Japan, #1 on my wishlist. Agree about Paris for all of the art and Hawaii for the tropics and the swimming/snorkeling.
4. What are your absolute favourite spots in Vancouver?
Santouka Ramen is my favorite ramen spot, and it’s right next to Sweet 7 downtown, which has the best pomelo sago I’ve ever had. I definitely go there a little too often.
I also love Paragon Tea for my favorite matcha, and Nizu Café for both their food and matcha.
My favorite beach is Ambleside in West Van, and the Park Royal VIP cinema is my go-to movie spot.
I’m definitely a creature of habit, haha.
Don’t worry guilty creature of habit here too! And love pomelo sago, noting down all of these spots for April!
5. What are some things you love but are shy about?
I REALLY love fashion and makeup.
I think I’ve been a bit shy about it because my relationship with it has changed a lot over time, and I’m still figuring out what feels most like me. But I see that as part of growing, not something to be embarrassed about.
Right now, I prefer for my artwork to be the main focus on my social media, but I’d love to eventually bring fashion into my work in some way. I’m not exactly sure what that looks like yet, but it feels like a natural direction I’ll grow into.
I love fashion and beauty too, I mean it’s fun being a girly girl after all? Can’t wait to see you integrate more personal on your socials eventually, I’ll be fan girling!
6. If you could collab with Shy World on one product, what would it be?
I would love to collaborate on a printed t-shirt or cap. I have a signature mountain character that I’d love to translate into wearable pieces and small collectibles. I’m really drawn to the idea of creating something that people can carry with them in their everyday lives.
I also love how communities like Shy World bring together people who share an appreciation for soft, thoughtful, and playful design.
Zoe this is so sweet and you’re right on about Shy embracing community and thoughtful, playful design! I am looking forward to our future collab hopefully in the summer with your mountain character!