Welcome to the studio.

Hi! I’m Zoë - an interdisciplinary artist, scientist, and nature lover currently based in Ottawa, Canada.

I love exploring the natural world, and as a curious and highly sensitive person, this has served me well as an artist. I gather inspiration from my surroundings and from other areas of my life - with the intention of bringing together art, science, and communication. Much of my travels have focused on exploring how we connect to nature and to each other. Although I’ve always been interested in interconnections and the environment, everything really clicked for me when I started working in climate change in 2015. Living and working in Nunavut, where you experience first-hand the impacts of climate change, slowly pulled me towards focusing on the beauty of the Arctic in my watercolour paintings. Through my art, I want to be able to convey this magic nature holds, the beauty of impermanence, and provide more opportunities for people to connect to nature in new ways.

My absolute favourite thing is creating custom art. I love creating a piece with a specific intention in mind, for a specific person. It allows me to bring so much more meaning to the piece, which will allow you to connect to it on a much deeper level. The best part of my job is when I deliver a finished artwork to a client and it brings them so much emotion (so many tears of joy!).

I’m continually learning about art and artistic practices. I started as a self-taught artist, and later attended Georgian College for Art and Design - in between doing my bachelor of science and masters in public health. I fell in love with watercolours when I took a beginner’s watercolour class at my local community centre. Every Friday, I spent a few hours of my very hectic schedule slowing down, completing a painting, and spending time with some very lovely retirees. Now, I continue to take new art courses and learn from other artists.

If I can accomplish anything with my art, I hope that I can inspire creativity in someone else. 

Zoë

See something you like or have an idea for a custom piece? Let’s connect!

Selected Exhibitions:

  • 2022 - Cézanne’s Closet - Union Gallery, Kingston ON

  • 2021 - HOOP-LA Show & Sale - Necessary Arts Collective Gallery, Guelph ON

  • 2016 - Inuksuk Christmas Craft Show - Iqaluit, NU

  • 2015 - The Arctic Council Youth Art travelling exhibit - various, Ottawa, ON

  • 2014 - Inuksuk Christmas Craft Show - Iqaluit, NU

  • 2011 - School of Design and Visual Arts Annual Exhibit and Show - Georgian College, Barrie ON

Awards:

  • Karen Smith Award for Excellence in the Arts (2011)

Residencies:

Find My Art in the Wild:

  • Student Volunteer Connections (Raithby House) - University of Guelph, Ontario

  • Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association - Iqaluit, Nunavut

 Find more of me on Instagram @zoemartos.art