Zoe Mackenzie (Year 8) is the first one into the spotlight in our new profile piece, showcasing our students' many talents beyond the classroom.

Zoe is a very talented young artist and recently won a place in Columba's art competition. She was kind enough to answer some of our questions about her passion and her goals.

What got you started with art?

I’ve always been a creative person making stuff out of boxes and household items. Once I could start using pencils and felts, I soon realised that I loved drawing and colouring. Now that I am older I enjoy using lots of different mediums, such as alcohol-based markers, paints and also digital. I still like to make things out of clay. When I was younger I used to collect random things like sticks and feathers to make things with them. My Grandma also did this which made me do it as well. My Dad can also draw and paint. I also love creating things, like sewing dresses and making things with my Nannie.

Why do you enjoy it so much?

When I do art I feel very calm and I can go for hours without realising the time because I’m in the zone. I enjoy it so much because I have been able to spend time and learn things about art from my Dad. I have been lucky enough that my parents have given me opportunities and appropriate materials to do art and be creative from an early age. When I am doing my art I feel at peace with myself and I find it very fun to do. I am always inspired by things around me and books that I read, so I can always find something to draw like flora and fauna, people and dragons.

What do you hope to do with your art in the future?

Something that I want to do with my art is keep on doing it, and not stopping and always trying new ways to draw and paint. Another thing I want to do with my art when I am older and now is to include it in all things I am doing. I want to get better at pastels and charcoal in future art classes. I also want to use my art to design dresses and clothes. I would like to get better at doing anatomy drawing now and in the future.

What advice do you have for students who are interested in developing their art?

Some advice for the students who are developing their art is to always challenge themselves with drawing different things and drawing things in different poses, instead of always drawing a standing person try and draw the person sitting cross-legged. Spend time drawing every day to improve your art. Find things that you are interested in and explore the topic by drawing them. Try not to be too hard on yourself if it doesn’t work out - go with the flow and make it fun!

Thanks, Zoe - we look forward to seeing more from you during your years at Columba College!