Creator Spotlight: Zoe Dewar
Collage and crochet artist. Toronto
Electric sunshine is a creative connection hub that empowers you to create, play, and explore your authentic expression. As a part of this mission, we are featuring inspiring artists from around the globe; showcasing their work, as well as some words of wisdom to inspire you and others on your own creative journey.
“Pop” (2022) is about treating each day as a new beginning.
Meet Zoe Dewar; a Toronto-based freestyle artist inspired by existence and thoughts formed by the heart, spirit and human collective. Scroll down to delve into an inspiring Q&A session with Zoe, as she shares her journey and perspectives!
What is your chosen medium in which you create?
I prefer to paint with acrylic & cut up magazines to fully realize a vision. I love collage because I find working with paper very flexible & fun, piecing together pieces that shouldn’t fit but do! Like a magical puzzle being manifested through space and time through thought and action without worry of what may come of it.
I also find that I can construct ideas better using many mediums.
When I think of collage I see it as I see the world; many pieces of something different making up a bigger complete experience and image; like the observer behind the scene of life itself but reflected through art.
What drives you to create?
It’s super satisfying creating nothing into something. I create for myself and others. There are messages in daily life that inspire me. Messages from people or messages received in moments of stillness by observing the external and internal. I believe art is a gift.
Being a part of the experience of life and being able to express one’s self in any form helps the creator connect to deeper parts of themselves and can do the same for those witnessing the art.
I love being in the zone, so immersed in creating that it’s like I disappear through time and space and my body feels like it’s on autopiolot completeting the heart’s desire and passion.
Everyone is an artist. I find when we lead with our heart, everything falls into place and your unique style and presence will be felt.
“The message” (2022) The painting is about not being too consumed by desires of the flesh or weighed down by external things.
What are your top values?
Live and let live without fear or judgment.
What inspires you?
The people in my life who I have been so lucky to cross paths with and connect with on levels beyond flesh. I love witnessing growth within myself and other people. I see the world as already finished & anything the heart wants it can attain. It’s always inspiring seeing someone create something from nothing or advance in something that was once considered new territory.
What do you want to see more of in the world?
More love and innerstanding. For all eyes to see the world as something that is happening as a whole. I find that the belief of separation causes problems. I had a thought the other day about life using the ocean as a metaphor. Let’s say the waves moving towards the shore are individuals…when you’re a wave you forget you’re part of the ocean as a whole until your time comes to return to the ocean.
Photo by Dean Macdonell at Macdonell Photography Studio
What are you excited about right now?
I’m excited about all the future performances & exhibits I will get to witness. Toronto has a lot of collectives that support local talent & it’s always fun watching others in their element shine bright….like a diamond 🤭
What are you currently exploring or interested in exploring?
I have been playing around with music production, practicing on Ableton, creating experimental sounds. It’s challenging learning something new but I've reached a point where I’m feeling more comfortable with the program where it’s less intimidating and annoying and more enjoyable. I wish I knew how to do everything instantly and find it difficult to find my groove with certain things. It’s not about how long it takes you to learn something as long as you keep at it you’ll get it eventually.
Always do right by your heart and your inner knowing because people can leave you but you can’t leave yourself —don’t be a people pleaser because even if you think you’re helping the other in a moment by potentially harming yourself you’re doing everyone a disservice in the end. Be truth and ride da wave 🌊
Keep up to date with Zoe’s creations!
Website: https://www.onyxzoe.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyxzoe/
