Zoe Bastian’s Artwork, “Stuck,” Was Inspired by Her Study Abroad to Japan and Won “Honorable Mention” in the 2024 Department of Design Annual Student Show, “Chroma”
This past winter semester I was dealing with one of the worst art blocks of my life. I didn’t like anything I was making; I was sick of only making designs on my computer and I was overwhelmed with stress and sadness over my future and things happening to friends and family around me. You could say I was creatively and emotionally “Stuck.”
I started as an illustration major here at BYU and while I switched majors and love the graphic design program, I’ve missed traditional drawing and painting. It is a huge part of who I am and my design work at the time wasn’t reflecting any of that. When I got into the Department of Art’s “Art in Japan” study abroad program held this summer, I leapt at the opportunity to take a studio art class. I knew I wanted to push myself creatively, try painting again for the first time in years and create something to help process and resolve my feelings of being stuck. So, I did! With the help of my lovely classmates and my wonderful professor Gary Barton, I was finally able to create something that I was proud of again.
My project for the Studio Art class I took while in Tokyo this summer was also featured in the Department of Design’s annual student show, “Chroma.” The art boards these are painted on traveled with me to and from Japan, the paint and brushes used to create these were all purchased in Japan, and the colors and forms of the paintings were heavily inspired by all the fantastic art I saw by Japanese artists while living there.
This project was a huge push for me because I don’t consider myself as much of a painter. Not to mention, I had some ambitious ideas for figuring out how to make the figures I was painting visually “break out” of the confined canvas that they are stuck inside. While challenging, this process was so exciting and fun, even with my many failed attempts along the way.
These paintings are so precious to me not only because of how much they helped me find joy in being creative again, but also because they are a lasting keepsake of my experience in Japan this summer. I'm so grateful for my time there and that my crazy idea for a project turned out well.
This opportunity to have my work be included in the annual “Chroma” show and on display in gallery 1313 is one that I’m so grateful for because of how many doors it has opened for me. Winning an “Honorable Mention” award and getting to talk to and meet so many people at the show’s reception was incredible. Because I shared my art in that way, I’ve been able to make some new connections and have had some creative opportunities offered to me. It’s been a cool way to see firsthand how crucial and fun networking — an essential part of a successful career in art or design — in the creative industry can be.
Most of all, I am grateful for the conversations I’ve had with others who have dealt with or are currently dealing with feeling stuck in some capacity. At the end of the day, artwork and good design mean the most when they emotionally resonate with people. I feel so honored that my pieces have been able to do just that while on display in 1313.