Behind the Brushstrokes A Conversation with Devon Based Abstract painter Zoe Kittow
- Emily Hadley
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
Devon abstract painter Zoë's captivating pieces, executed mainly in acrylic and oil pastel on canvas, have been showcased in numerous exhibitions throughout the UK. Recently, her work achieved significant recognition when it was exhibited and sold at the esteemed Sotheby's auction house in London. Her collection 'Dancing in the Rain' available here now speaks of the glimmers she looks for while living with a dynamic disability. Read on to find out some unusual painting tools that she uses and who she would ask to dinner!
What sparks your initial ideas for a piece? Is it a feeling, an image, or something else entirely?
Although my work develops intuitively, nature is a huge influence. Colour combinations can be inspired anywhere from a bright red picnic blanket against the greens of the woodland, to the vast spectrum of light reflecting off of water - my camera reel is full of captured moments which I endlessly browse back over. Introspective thoughts & feelings also play a role, shaping the lens in which I see the wider world.
Do you have a specific routine or ritual to get into a creative head space?
Music & coffee! Often dog cuddles while balancing paintbrushes on the way back to the studio also!
Do you have a plan for a piece before you start, or do you allow it to develop organically?
Occasionally - but it rarely turns out that way! It’s like the more I try to control it the more it fights me. The ideas really do develop on the canvas. My best work is always created in flow.
Do you imagine your art in interior spaces? Is this an important part of your practice?
My degree is interior architecture & design - so yess! I’m interiors obsessed but unless it’s a commission (which I don’t take often) then I’ll only start imagining where it could end up when it’s nearly finished. Sometimes mock ups help me decide if a piece is finished. But I absolutely love receiving photos of work in its forever home.
What's your biggest "happy accident" that turned out amazing in a piece?
When I’ve picked up the wrong colour by mistake, taking it in an exciting, unexpected direction!
Do you have any lucky tools or materials you can't work without?
Decorator’s brushes & my hands - Love to smush the paint around!
What's the most challenging part of your artistic process?
Knowing when to stop!
What piece of yours are you most proud of, and why?
A pink & green 1 x 1m piece from a couple of yrs ago. It was the biggest I’d painted at the time & it has some really beautiful marks I’ve still no idea how I created.
What are some tools or techniques you use that most people wouldn't expect?
A bamboo stick or twig I use to scrape through layers of paint. I also like to get stuck in & feel the paint with my hands too, especially on smaller pieces.
Is there a hidden meaning or symbolism in your work that viewers might miss?
In my latest collection there’s a lot about finding “glimmers” everyday moments of joy! As I live with chronic pain & a dynamic disability, art is my therapy so I use it to celebrate all that I love about life.
If you could have your art evoke one specific emotion in a viewer, what would it be?
Definitely joy!! That’s why I paint!
Who are your artistic heroes, and how have they influenced your work?
Ooh there’s so many! Monet as I’ve always loved his work, particularly how he depicts reflections on water. Ironically I didn’t truly appreciate abstract work even while I was studying art at A-levels (I always wanted to do realism - lots of pencil drawings). But some of the artists that first inspired my change of heart, aside from a lecturer, were Joan Mitchell & Cy Twombly. I love their energy, looseness, mark marking & scale - all things I aspire to! Loads of contemporary artists too, many of which happen to be Australian artists.
Does your art ever surprise you with where it ends up taking you?
Absolutely! From a blank canvas & overwhelming imposter syndrome to something someone wants in their home is the biggest honour. How much the process of painting helps my mental health; to some of the incredible places I’ve exhibited & artists I’ve shown alongside (I mean try telling 10 yr old me I’d one day exhibit in Sotheby’s right next to an exhibit of Picasso!)
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing?
Although being an artist was a dream I didn’t dare imagine possible, I always wanted to do something creative. As I mentioned I studied interior Architecture & design which I loved & planned to pursue, but with health challenges I fell into art once more. Life may have had other plans but I feel very lucky to have reconnected with my first love.
What are your ‘must have’ snacks and drinks when in the studio?
With the warmer weather lately it’s an iced latte or ice cream!
What's the best piece of artistic advice you've ever received?
Pure abstract painting is a huge pivot for me so freeing up was a big challenge. Being encouraged to try left hand painting, closing my eyes & painting what I’m feeling was, & still is great advice when I’m getting too tight or precious about it.
You are hosting a dinner party and have invited 3 other artists (living or dead), who would be on the guest list?
Feel I need to brush up on my art history for this! But I’d love to be able to tell Van Gogh how highly regarded & loved his work is today. Banksy - I want in on his secret identity, the human & ideas behind his work. Da Vinci, I think the conversations would be fascinating. I’ve long been a fan, not of his most famous art works but with his ideas, & artistically the loose, architectural sketches, particularly the flying machines. I even thought about getting one tattooed on me years ago as a nod to my love of travel, mystery & innovation!
Thank you for taking part Zoe! I have loved hearing all about your experiences as an abstract artist here in Devon!
Shop Zoe's art here!
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