We were lucky to catch up with Dara Zakimi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

The experience of selling my first original watercolor painting was a moment that would forever change my art career. I joined the Hawaii Watercolor Society and entered the 2021 Member’s Show. This was only my second group exhibition ever. I was excited just to have been juried in and to share my work with the community. It was my day to sit in the gallery to assist any of the gallery viewers with questions or purchases. To my surprise, an art collector from New York currently living in Hawaii began asking me questions about my work Rusty Edges. After a brief conversation about my abstraction process, he decided to purchase it. In disbelief and full of gratitude, I completed the transaction.

As an emerging artist, it can be very daunting and filled with doubt and imposter syndrome. Before this, I overcame these feelings by reminding myself that I was doing this just for fun, just for me. But after this moment, I was given a little boost of encouragement. This was the first purchase from someone other than a family member or an existing friend. It was more than a sale for me. It was an indicator for me that people may actually like my work. Although it was something minute on a physical scale, its significance was enormous. It gave me validation that sharing my work with the community was not meaningless.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a visual artist with a focused discipline in abstract watercolors. My work can be characterized as intuitive painting with gesturally fluid mark marking, a focus on deep color fields, and the utilization of experimental processes and techniques. My nonrepresentational watercolor paintings are a visual translation of my personal experiences and the natural world. I am also intrigued and influenced by the Japanese American Abstract Expressionists of Hawaii during the 1950s-1960s, artists like Tadashi Sato and Satoru Abe.

I am also an art educator and teach at a local public school in Honolulu. I emphasize two main fundamental functions of art to students: using art as a visual expression of voice and a healthy coping mechanism to improve mental health.

I joined the Hawaii Watercolor Society in 2021 and have been propelled by the support and inspiration of other members. I am slowly building my fine art business participating in local exhibitions, markets, and creating my online shop.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the rejuvenation I receive after creating. Painting for me is therapeutic and is a way to support my mental health. Consequently giving me the energy and mindset to complete the other endeavors in my life such as teaching and being a mom. 

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Besides sharing my art, another goal I have is to learn more about establishing myself as an Artist. Discovering my role in the local art community is a process I intend to experience so that I can further guide my students. Besides teaching art concepts and techniques, I can speak from experience on how to exhibit work in a gallery, and where to make archival prints. I can impart to students the importance of networking with artists and community members, how to plan and execute a pop-up at a local market, and other details of the job that isn’t in a traditional high school art curriculum.

Contact Info:

• Website: darazakimi.com
• Instagram: darazakimi
• Facebook: darazakimi