ZOE YOUNG: CAPTURING BEAUTY BRUSHSTROKE BY BRUSHSTROKE

Zoe Young is an artist whose work weaves the complexities of motherhood, observation, and the desire for beauty into a tapestry of vibrant narratives. She has carved her niche in the Australian art scene, utilising her unique experiences—from the bustling ambience of her parents’ restaurants to the serene landscapes of the Snowy Mountains. Young's journey into the world of painting is both practical and deeply personal, and serves as a reflection of her resilience and artistic evolution.

“I grew up at tables, sketching on whatever scraps I could find,” Young recalls, reminiscing about her formative years. “It wasn't romantic - it was practical. My parents worked, and I sat with a pen, obsessing over my nostrils, refining my hand. It was my version of footy - I practised, trained, and got better.” This diligent foundation laid the groundwork for her artistic career, illustrating her commitment to mastering her craft outside traditional art schools or studios.

Young views her discipline through the lens of her previous experience in ski racing, drawing parallels that resonate throughout her painting process. “When I’m on a deadline, and most people would freak out, I just kind of go ‘racer ready.’ That ability to stay calm under pressure, to anticipate the course ahead, and to know when to push and when to hold back - it all applies to painting.” In a world often characterised by chaos, Young’s capacity to remain centred and focused becomes her greatest asset, allowing her to navigate both the demands of the art world and her responsibilities as a mother.

The environment Young has created in her home and studio reflects the delicate balance of her life. “Every morning begins with Reg bringing me coffee,” she shares. “If it doesn’t arrive, I know I’ve upset him.” This humorous and candid comment encapsulates the everyday moments that fuel her creativity, reminding us that her artistic practice is intricately woven into the fabric of family life. Young’s art is not just a separate entity but an extension of her lived experiences and relationships.

She describes her creative process as fluid and non-linear. “There’s no system, no routine, no mystical creative process. I paint. Some days it works, some days it doesn’t. You sit in the chair. You do the work.” This honesty about the fluctuations in her artistic journey reveals a vulnerability that many can relate to, especially those who balance the chaotic demands of family and art. Young confesses, “People talk about balance as if it’s something that can be achieved. It isn’t. I’m always either in the studio thinking about home or at home thinking about the studio.” This perpetual duality offers a glimpse into the mind of an artist who embraces the challenges of her roles rather than shying away from them.

Currently, Young is immersed in creating a body of work titled *Mother Gaze*, set to debut at an exhibition later this year. “This body of work looks at the past decade of my life as a mother—not in a sentimental way, but through the act of seeing,” she explains. Her intention is not to present a nostalgic or diaristic reflection but rather to interrogate how motherhood alters perception. “How does motherhood distort or refine perception? How does it shift how we see ourselves and how we are seen?” These thematic questions underscore the depth of her exploration, transforming motherhood into a complex lens through which she views the world.

Interestingly, Young’s regard for film and scriptwriting contributes to her artistic practice, adding a cinematic quality to her work. “Cinema and painting both deal in suggestion—you don’t have to show everything, just enough to let the mind fill in the rest,” she states. “A good painting, like a good film, holds tension in the frame.” This analogy reflects her commitment to constructing narratives within her artwork, where each decision is deliberate and essential, contributing to the overall impact of the piece.

Young’s recent practice encapsulates her journey and the shifting dynamics within the art world. “A lot of female artists approaching 50 are invisible...to have been given the space to be seen—to show my work in ways that do it justice—means everything.” This sentiment highlights her gratitude and speaks to the broader conversation about representation and visibility within the art landscape, especially for women artists.

Amidst the struggles and triumphs, Young finds solace in her work. “I just want it to be beautiful,” she states, acknowledging the elusive nature of beauty as both a muse and a challenge. “Art is a battleground, and I fight to make something that earns its space in the world.” As she grapples with these complexities, it is evident that her art is not merely a profession but an intertwined expression of self, motherhood, and the world in which she navigates.

Zoe Young stands at the intersection of creativity and life’s chaos—a conduit of vibrant narratives looking to capture the essence of beauty amid the mundane. With each brushstroke, she invites viewers to engage with her work on a level that transcends mere aesthetics, offering a reflection of shared experiences, raw emotions, and the quiet resilience of motherhood.