Artist Interview: Zara Edwards - 2025 Painted Piano Project

Tell us about yourself! How long have you been an artist? What are some other projects you have worked on?

I have been an artist my whole life, but recently decided to take it a step further when I decided to major in Studio Art at college. I graduated from SJDC last summer with my Associates and am now in my Junior year at Stanislaus State. Since then I have had the privilege to work on a few community art projects, such as the painted piano project last year, as well as creating Little Free Library's for Turlock's cub scout groups. I have a goal of painting a mural as my next artistic project, either with Lodi Arts Foundation or with the Stan State Art Club. Other than those projects, I am working on building my personal portfolio, focusing on the theme of identity, femininity and the lifestyle of young adults, influenced by my friends and peers. For now, most of my projects are assignments for school, but I am grateful for opportunity such as the painted piano project as it allows to apply the skills and techniques I am learning at school in a way where I get to express my own creative freedom outside the restriction of assignment requirements.

What inspired you to become an artist?

I have always loved creating, whether that be thought painting, collaging, dioramas or drawing. Art was always a hobby for me and something I would do for pleasure or meditation. After attending college and changing my major about 5 times (not an exaggeration) I decided to pursue something I was actually passionate about and focus on getting a degree. This ended up being the best possible choice for me as I am thriving in school and have been blessed with a job that I can still exercise my creativity.

Describe the themes and style of your art. Do you gravitate towards one style or medium? What is your favorite medium to create with?

My art tends to have an illustrative, narrative childlike feel to it. Although in school I am learning the foundations of art, my personal work always maintains a whimsical nature. I think that I am a strong painter, however sculpture is my preferred medium, specifically ceramics. However, due to its inaccessibility I practice painting more in my free time. I do have a goal of joining a ceramics co-op once I graduate so that I can continue to make pieces once I am done with school. I am especially excited to be taking my upper division sculpture courses in the Fall of 2025, where I will be taking metal casting and advanced ceramics.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

My professor Mirabel Wigon, as well as other influential artists such as Chris Burden, Laurel Burch and Ann Veronica Janssens to name a few.

Tell us about your painted piano design. What inspired it?

My painted piano is titled "A pianist dream" I wanted my design to use preexisting features of the piano showcased in a distorted surrealist style. I wanted to feature keys twisting and bending like staircases, music floating like leaves in the wind, and hand playing music as if they are intruding on your mind. I wanted this whole piece to clearly represent a piano and musician, but in a creative way that draws the viewer in and allows them to create their own narrative about what the piece means to them. (Is it a dream or a nightmare?)

What are your aspirations as an artist? What are your dreams as an artist if anything were possible?

My aspirations as an artist are to feature my work in a gallery and have a solo show one day.

Tell us about your other hobbies and passions! What do you enjoy besides art?

Along with art, I enjoy playing the banjo, going to the beach to look for sea glass, binging RuPaul's Drag Race, and spending time with my two kitties, Roby and Banjo

How can we find more of your art? (website, social media, upcoming shows etc.) Is there anything else you want us to know?

You can follow me on instagram @zaras.era.art