Meet Zoe Papas

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zoe Papas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Zoe with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I have always taken pride in my work, whether it be academic, artistic, or professional. I’m also a perfectionist which means I’m rarely completely satisfied with my own art. This is both a blessing and a curse. It can be hard for me to start a new artwork, but once I do, I can effectively keep going as I see more and more things to fix and refine. I have often found motivation in the work of other artists I admire. This not only inspires me to keep creating, but also to grow in my art practice. Even after a BFA and MA in studio art, I am still learning and growing as an artist. Being open to learning doesn’t diminish what I’ve accomplished but pushes me towards mastery.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m both a fine artist and drawing instructor. My typical subject of choice is the human figure for its beauty, narrative impact, and timelessness. I mostly do charcoal drawings, but over the last 3 years I have been doing oil paintings as well. Professionally, I am focused on exhibiting and selling my art as well as teaching. What I feel is special about my artwork is the sense of realism and thoughtfully designed compositions that inspire reflection in viewers.

As a teacher, I base my lessons on the atelier drawing method I learned in my MA through the Florence Academy of Art. The atelier method was the way artists learned to draw for centuries, yet because it had fallen out of favor amidst modern art movements of the 20th century, many artists are unaware of it. I stand behind this method because it has made for such a big improvement in my own artwork.

If you are interested in seeing my artwork in person (it is a much different experience in person), consider attending the Creative Pinellas Arts Annual exhibition. I will have two new pieces in the show which I have never exhibited before. The exhibition runs from November 29, 2024 to January 4, 2025. You can also check out one of my drawings hanging upstairs at the Dunedin Fine Art Center. Regarding art classes, you can find information on my website zoepapasart.com/take-a-class. Coming January 2025, I’ll be teaching Drawing I classes at both St. Petersburg College and St. Leo University in addition to my classes at the Dunedin Fine Art Center.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Willingness to learn, passion, and perseverance are some of the qualities that have helped me in my pursuit of art as a career. The notion of learning art academically has been criticized as something that kills creativity. On the contrary, learning the fundamentals is a way for artists to bring their visions to life without the barriers that come from lack of knowledge. It can often feel like taking a couple steps back in order to move forward. I have felt this myself as a student. However, I’ve learned that academic work is more like a workout than a representation of a style or brand. Even after completing my MA, I continue to learn from other artists and experiment with my processes. That’s part of what makes it fun for me.

Passion is also key. I have always loved making art and being creative in different ways. The type of art I wanted to create changed over time, but I always had an artistic drive. I really enjoy the process of drawing and painting, and I think that’s vital for anyone who wants to be an artist. Of course, there will still be times when I have a lack of motivation or I’m struggling to get through a tedious area. Ultimately, there is a sense of fulfillment that comes from making art and that is where my passion lies, regardless of how I feel day to day.

Being able to persevere in spite of bad days has also been crucial. Picturing long-term goals has helped me with this. Even if I’m able to work for only a short time each day, that time adds up and allows me to continue my creative practice. Sometimes, when I’m struggling to start a project, it helps to get everything I need in place in order to make starting easier.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I’m feeling overwhelmed about an artwork, it helps me to take a step back. Literally taking a step back and viewing my art from a distance helps me to see things from a different perspective. I can appreciate how much I’ve already done and plan for what to work on next . I can also take a break for an hour or a day. Putting time in between working sessions helps me to see my work with fresh eyes. This helps me to look at things more objectively.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,