“Lantern Bearers” by Zoe Jarvis
A little bit about Zoe:
Zoe Jarvis is a full-time artist and small business entrepreneur based in Northern Virginia. She creates artworks small and large in cut paper and colored pencil, and her work has earned her numerous private commissions. Zoe is constantly refining her style and emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic to fuel her artistic practices. She prides meticulous attention to detail, eye-catching color palettes, and clean craftsmanship.
Where to find Zoe:
Web: zoelinnjarvis.com
Instagram: @zoelinnjarvis
1. How did you first discover your interest in art?
If I’m honest it’s probably because I loved being the center of my parents’ attention and a reliable way to get them to look was to draw pictures and wave it in their faces… so lots of art was made.
2. What was the first work of art/artist you remember being excited about?
When I first saw Maxfield Parrish’s fantastical dreamlike paintings. I also adore the distinctive and saucy illustrations of George Barbier.
3. What was your dream job as a child?
I wanted to be a candy finder. Then a classical concert pianist. When I realized that most people go to college for something, I decided to pursue a career as an artist.
4. Did you have an art mentor?
No but I had wildly supportive parents who gave everything they could in order to feed and grow my love for art. When I was in 5th grade, my mom helped me find an afterschool program for young artists to build their portfolios. I attended this hagwon (a.k.a. Korean cram school) until my senior year of high school and received almost full scholarship to an Ivy League art school solely based on my accomplished art portfolio.
5. What is the one art supply or tool that brings you the most joy?
Paper – love cutting it, drawing on it, and folding it
6. What’s the last movie or book you really enjoyed?
I really don’t watch tv ever. Just not interested in spending my time that way. If I read, it’s going to be a cookbook. Audiobooks make for a nice change of pace if music is feeling redundant.
7. What kind of music (if any) do you listen to while creating art?
If I’m working, I like music that can fade into the background without being monotonous. Polo & Pan is a current fave. My top two other favorites are Bruce Hornsby and Aoife O’Donovan.
“Dahlias” by Zoe Jarvis
“Virginia Blue Bells” by Zoe Jarvis
8. What advice would you give to someone just starting their art journey?
Time is your most precious currency, spend it carefully. Prioritize proper nutrition. Move daily- gotta exercise to keep your head in check. Sleep well. Notice your thoughts. Give yourself grace.
9. Are you a night owl or early bird?
As a small business owner, I have agency over choosing my work hours and I lean all the way into that. So sometimes I’m a night owl, other times I’m up at sunrise. I consistently get a second wind to do art around 8pm and love letting myself work late into the night on a project that makes me happy.
“Potting Shed” by Zoe Jarvis
10. How long does it take you to feel finished with a piece of art, and how do you decide it’s done?
It varies depending on the size and complexity of a piece but I’m slow. I don’t like to rush art making. Most times I just know when a piece is done. Whenever I’m not sure I give it a few days then revisit.
11. How would you describe your art in three words?
Colorful, enchanting, nature
12. What fictional person do you want to meet the most?
The majestic clowns in Maxfield Parrish’s painting entitled “Lantern Bearers.” I would get a kick out of seeing them in real life just as they are shown in his painting in all their mystery and magic.
13. What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about being an artist?
My favorite: It allows me to work from home and make a living doing something that fulfills me. My least favorite: People caring more about how much my work costs than the work itself.
14. If you could only create art of one subject for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Nature. The world is filled with so many different kinds of terrain, ecosystems, habitats, microworlds, and nooks on land, deep sea, underground, and in the sky.
15. If you could have a studio anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Someplace that was always 60°-70°, suburbs or country (please not a busy city), a great grocery store and art store nearby, familiar faces, and bonus for tropical gardens or beaches in the area. I wish I could visit New Zealand and Mykonos, Greece but I don’t know if I want a studio in either place.
“Sweet Peas in Blue” by Zoe Jarvis
“Red Chrysanthemums II” by Zoe Jarvis
“Hibiscus Syriacus IV” by Zoe Jarvis