We recently connected with Zoë Walby and have shared our conversation below.
Zoë, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
When I was five years old, I drew a picture that wasn’t particularly good, but it was a story in itself. In it, a monkey makes his way to the doctor’s tree house. Unfortunately, the doctor, who is trailing behind, gets knocked out by a coconut. I gave the picture to my dad, and he framed it.
That frame made me feel like a real artist, and after that, I was always creating. The passion for it never left, and it was fostered by my family. My grandma and I would go to the park and draw, or imagine worlds together. My step mom helped me participate in local art events at a young age. I was surrounded by creative people to foster it in myself.
Unfortunately, as I grew older, I encountered plenty of practical reasons not to pursue art. At the heart of it, I lacked the courage to take the risks necessary to succeed in the creative world. I battled with that fear, and the self consciousness tied to it, for years. Ultimately, though, creating is at the very heart of who I am. I owe it to myself to pursue it, because regardless of the outcome, I want to know that I tried.
I’m incredibly grateful to my family and friends for their ongoing support and encouragement, and for every opportunity that has come so far. Hopefully, with hardwork, luck, and determination, there will be more in the future. Until then, I’m going to continue creating.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Zoë Walby, and I’m a watercolor artist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I’ve been creating art in one form or another since childhood, always with an emphasis on storytelling and world-building.
I draw inspiration from classic works of the Renaissance, especially artists like Sandro Botticelli, whose use of visual symbolism tells powerful stories. I also resonate with the absurdist and surrealist movements of the 1940s, finding humor in life’s chaos and calamities.
My work blends elements from these periods, creating an introspective snapshot of my inner world. A recurring theme in my art is femininity and its societal implications. I explore the expectations, challenges, and oppression faced by feminine-presenting individuals, a subject I’m deeply passionate about. I hope my work sparks a conversation about these issues.
I typically create my pieces in series of 5 to 10 works, each contributing to a larger narrative when viewed as a whole. The main character and her place within the setting drive the story, with symbolic motifs recurring throughout the series, often echoing Renaissance influences.
You can find my work on Instagram @zippityzoee or visit my website at zoewalby.com. My latest series, It’s Her Fucking Cake, is wrapping up, and prints will be available soon.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Creating art offers a unique path toward being understood. Through it, we can express parts of our mind that words often fail to capture. In a world where we constantly seek to be heard and understood, I feel grateful to have the ability to create something that not only reflects my own experiences but also invites conversation and insight into the experiences of others.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I was 26, I left an abusive relationship and had to rebuild my life, for the first time, on my own. Along with those challenges came a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Through my art, I was able to process those experiences, and with newfound courage, I began to pursue my passion seriously again. Struggle is never welcome, and it’s often in those difficult moments that we discover our greatest potential for growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zoewalby.com
- Instagram: zippityzoee
