I met Zoe, an artist whose talent illuminates the world, bringing boundless creativity.
Zoe can be found on Instagram at zoeartangell. Please follow this young artist, support her through your likes and comments, and commission her to work for you.
My mom always told me, "You make something of nothing". From a young age, I enjoyed painting and always knew I wanted an art career. As a creative mind, I find joy in so many things, but I guess I never knew what steps to take next and in which direction...
After school, I helped at a small health and Gift shop serving coffee. I never would have imagined being there for almost three years. I never got promoted, but my responsibilities multiplied, and my "title" changed. I went from part-time retail to stocktaker, manager assistant, and pantry and coffee shop manager. I did everything to the best of my ability, hoping to be recognised and promoted.
It's been a journey. I put more into my job than my art and felt drained because neither brought fruit. I regularly felt discouraged and lost.
In 2023, I met a client (Muji) who sparked my curiosity. I wondered how he and his wife had different careers when they both had creative minds. He was a software engineer, and photography and filmmaking were his passions. His wife was a doctor and an artist. The best part of my job is working with clients. I love the stories and experiences they have to share. You realize you always have something in common with someone. You also never forget the person who gives you a spark of hope and another perspective on life.
My title at work changed again, and unfortunately, it was not for the better (perhaps this was a blessing in disguise). The moment came at the crossroads where I decided that I would instead take a leap of faith and believe that I'd get further chasing a dream rather than be stagnant in life since I wasn't fulfilled and didn't see how I would ever be. I regularly thought of this quote, "a salary is a drug your employer gives you to forget your dreams". In some cases, it is true.
It's difficult to tell someone who I am, but I know who I don't want to be. I don't want to take small things for granted. I want to remain down to earth and have a good and kind character. I always want to understand the person next to me. How can you do that if you have everything in life? I enjoy working on something I like and observing birds pecking at crumbs on the ground.
For the first time in a long time, I look forward to the future, walking by faith, not sight. I get to decide what I want to do and what will make me happy, not what others want and expect of me anymore.
Zoe
July 2024
