Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Zolo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
David , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was stepping out of my comfort zone to follow my dreams. In fact, it’s a risk I take every day by deciding to stay committed to being an artist. Many times, I ask myself if it wouldn’t be easier to have a regular job with a steady paycheck instead of this unpredictable life. But so far, I keep choosing the risk of being an artist.
At a young age, I decided to leave behind my comforts in Colombia and my family to go to France and immerse myself in a new culture. I took that risk, and fortunately, I learned a new language, discovered a new culture, and found myself as an artist. Later, I took the risk of going to Buenos Aires, Argentina. I didn’t have much money, so I traveled by bus, passing through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Sometimes I hitchhiked, and other times I worked in restaurants, mostly cleaning, just to get food.
Once in Argentina, I stayed with my brother and had the great opportunity to participate in an artisan fair, where I first started sharing my art. When I returned to Colombia, I took the risk of continuing my life as an artist, selling handmade crafts to make ends meet. There were times when I had to set up a table on the street to sell my work at very low prices just to pay rent or buy food.
While in Colombia, I was invited to an exhibition in London to showcase my art. I took the risk of accepting the invitation and used all my savings to send a sculpture and a painting. Unfortunately, due to Colombia’s bad reputation, the sculpture was broken during customs inspection in London as they searched for drugs inside. Of course, there were no drugs, but the damage was done, and I lost a lot of money, which put me in a tough financial situation.
Later, I took the risk of borrowing money and used it to travel to Miami to learn English and make new connections in the art world. It was a challenging experience due to the high cost of living, but I kept pushing forward. I was able to exhibit my art in three major shows, including Art Basel, one of the most important art fairs. I sold several pieces and was able to repay the loan, regaining some financial stability.
Now, I live in Milan, Italy, and once again, I took the risk of moving to a country without knowing the language. I came here to be with the love of my life and to find inspiration from Italian culture for my new art collection, *The Language of the Roses*.
In the end, I believe I’ll always be taking risks. Even when I make mistakes, I try to learn from them. But most importantly, I’m proud of my journey, my resilience, and my passion for continuing as an artist. Through my art, I not only express my feelings but also represent Colombia abroad, hoping to change its negative image and help others through my work
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is David Zolo, and I’m an artist whose work is deeply rooted in both nature and culture. One of the most unique aspects of my creative process is my technique of painting with rose petals. For me, this method is more than just a technique, it’s a reflection of my romantic, almost poetic view of art. Each rose I use symbolizes beauty, love, and the ephemeral nature of life, making every brushstroke feel like a delicate moment captured on the canvas.
Currently, living in Milan, I’ve found a new well of inspiration in Italian fashion and design. The elegance, the craftsmanship, and the timeless beauty of fashion in Italy have influenced my most recent collection, *The Language of the Roses*, which blends these new ideas with my signature use of natural elements. This fusion of romanticism and modern aesthetic is what I believe makes my art stand out, offering something unique that resonates on an emotional and visual level.
What I’m most proud of is my dedication to this journey, no matter the challenges. Every risk I’ve taken has brought me closer to the artist I am today. I want people to know that my work isn’t just about creating something visually appealing, each piece is an invitation to experience a story, a feeling, or a connection. Through my art, I aim to offer something that touches both the heart and the mind, a way for people to see the world through my eyes.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
One of my main goals in life is to help others, particularly children facing difficulties. I’ve realized that through art, I can make a difference in people’s lives. Currently, I work with foundations in Medellín, Colombia, especially with children battling cancer. We organize artistic sessions where I bring all the materials they need to paint, along with a small snack. Although I can’t change their illnesses, I can help them momentarily forget their health challenges through art. Seeing them paint and express their creativity fills my heart and brings me a happiness I’ve never known before.
On the other hand, as an artist, I feel incredibly honored when people purchase my artwork and display it in their homes. I especially appreciate that the energy of the roses and the poetry inherent in this unique technique become part of the homes and places where my art is exhibited. My goal is to bring a piece of my art into many homes, sharing the positive energy of my paintings and representing my country, Colombia.
Representing Colombia and showcasing its positive side is one of my major objectives. I believe that by doing this, future generations will have more opportunities and won’t face closed doors due to the current image of drug trafficking and past conflicts.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I believe that sometimes it’s not about reading many books, but rather about reading a single book multiple times to truly absorb its wisdom. While I’m a lover of literature and could recommend incredible works from Colombian authors like Gabriel García Márquez or Andrés Caicedo, there are two books that have profoundly impacted my life: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. These books not only shaped my perspective on life but also played a pivotal role in my personal and artistic development.
The Alchemist taught me one of the most valuable lessons: to listen to my heart and pursue my dreams. The protagonist, embarks on a journey to discover his “Personal Legend,” and through his trials, he learns that the answers to our greatest questions often lie within us. This book helped me understand my own purpose as an artist. It reinforced the idea that the journey toward fulfilling our dreams is filled with signs, and that if we follow our intuition, we can achieve anything. This has been crucial in my artistic career, especially when I decided to embrace my unique painting technique using roses, despite initial skepticism from others. The book’s message of perseverance and trusting the process deeply resonates with me.
On the other hand, The Little Prince showed me the importance of seeing with the heart, not just with the eyes. This timeless story emphasizes that what truly matters in life is often invisible, such as love, friendship, and the connections we build with others. The lessons from The Little Prince have not only influenced my life but also my art. It reminds me to infuse each piece I create with deep meaning and emotion, because true art is not just about what you see on the surface, but about the feelings it evokes and the unseen connections it fosters with the viewer.
These books have enriched my life, not just as an artist, but as a human being. They have helped me stay grounded in my values and maintain a sense of purpose as I navigate my creative journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.davidzolo.com
- Instagram: @davidzoloart
Image Credits
David Zolo