Meet Ziesook You

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ziesook You. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ziesook, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

I’m constantly thinking about how my current work connects to what comes next — how one piece naturally leads into another. That sense of continuity keeps my practice alive and evolving.

Nature also plays a quiet but powerful role. During my daily walks, I observe small shifts — the light, the wind, the rhythm of the seasons — and imagine how these moments might translate into my work.

I try to stay curious about new technologies and mediums. Understanding the spirit of our time helps me explore how these tools can resonate within my own artistic language.

Perfection isn’t my goal — persistence is. Even a small act each day, whether writing a single line, capturing a photograph, noting an idea, or gathering materials, becomes part of the creative flow.

And of course, I find energy in the work of other artists. Visiting libraries, browsing archives, or even scrolling through social media can spark unexpected insights. Each encounter adds another layer to my ongoing conversation with art.

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 was inspired by a small Nepalese village at the end of the Silk Road called Broq-pa. In this village, women adorn their hair with blossoms every day — an act that symbolizes love, happiness, and gratitude. I was deeply moved by this ritual and its quiet celebration of beauty and life’s fleeting moments. It became the heart of my artistic journey, shaping my ongoing project, Scent of Broqpa, which explores themes of connection, resilience, and joy.

The series began in 2016 with The Twins Project, intimate portraits of my twin daughters that captured the harmony between nature and childhood. Since then, it has evolved into collaborations with single mothers, seniors, multicultural families, and people of all ages — each story revealing its own strength, tenderness, and transformation.

Working in the space between photography and painting, I layer fresh and dried flowers to create images that feel both tangible and dreamlike. My recent projects in Texas — The Texas Wildflower Project and 100 Austin Artists — continue to explore the intersection of nature, community, and the human spirit.

I’ll be presenting new works at the Travis Heights Art Trail on November 1–2, and at the Austin Studio Tour at The Cathedral on November 15–16. Looking ahead, my 17th solo exhibition will be held at the Houston Center for Photography from April 16 to May 17, 2026.

Ultimately, Scent of Broqpa is my meditation on impermanence — a celebration of beauty that blooms, fades, and continues to inspire long after it’s gone.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

First, observation is the foundation of my creative process. Inspiration often comes from quiet moments — the light changing in nature, the expressions on people’s faces, or the subtle rhythm of the seasons. Training your eye to notice beauty in the smallest details is one of the most valuable skills an artist can develop. When you make it a habit to walk, look, and feel every day, your unique perspective on the world naturally develops.

Second, consistency. Perfection is rare, but small, steady efforts accumulate into meaningful work. Even on days when inspiration feels distant, writing a single line, taking one photo, or noting a small idea keeps the creative energy alive.

Third, empathy and communication. My work always begins with people — with conversations and a genuine effort to understand their stories. The depth of a portrait comes not just from technique, but from the emotional connection between the artist and the subject. Art, to me, is ultimately a dialogue between hearts.

For those just beginning their creative journey, my advice is to honor your own pace and remain open to the world. When you nurture curiosity and sensitivity — both toward others and yourself — your authentic artistic voice will naturally find its way.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I deeply value collaborations with people who bring new perspectives and fresh sensibilities. I believe that art is not a solitary expression, but a shared language that emerges when different worlds meet and create something new together.

In particular, I would love to collaborate with wildflower or nature centers and gardens to explore the relationship between humans and nature — a theme that continues to inspire my work. I’m also drawn to projects that carry social messages or community values, as I believe art has the power to expand experiences of healing, empathy, and connection.

I’m open to working with centers for dementia patients, organizations supporting immigrant women and second-generation communities, UNESCO programs, children’s centers, and orphanages. For me, any collaboration that allows art to bring comfort, beauty, and understanding into people’s lives is deeply meaningful.

If you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to connect — whether in person at exhibitions or project sites, or through my official website and social media. I always welcome new relationships with an open heart and a shared desire to create something beautiful and meaningful together.

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Ziesook You

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