Zachary Zorbas
ARTIST STATEMENT
Capturing time and sharing experiences through expressive oil paintings.
I hope that the paintings bring to you the sense of inspiration and wonder that I felt in the moments they portray. This website is home to a collection of paintings that I've been working on, mostly while travelling and moving to Greece. Each image is a mix of my personal experience, thoughts, inspiration, and emotion.
The goal is to prompt the viewer to enter a new experience, imaginging things such as the sound of birds, wind blowing through trees. Light flickering through the trees. Feel the warmth of sun-drenched beaches, the wonder of ancient archeological sites, and imagine the sights and sounds of a night out in a Greek village by the sea.
The first ingredient to the work is going out and exploring. When an idea comes along, I'm painting rapidly with a lack of precise detail except for on the focal points.
The focus is on natural effects rather than things. The canvas is meshed with short brushstrokes, some thin and abrupt, others thick and pastose, in fairly light shades.
Painting is a way of stopping the time, capturing a loved moment and storing it in something that can be remembered for generations.
Biography
I was born in Norfolk, Virginia after my father got out of the US Navy. I grew up in Minnesota, however. My Greek heritage has been something that I care for and connect with deeply. As a child, I began drawing and by the age of 14 I started as a graphic and web designer. Later into adulthood, I picked up painting to improve my skills in visual art and it has become my main interest. My grandfather John Zorbas was an inspiration to me as he was a jazz and saxophone player in Greece.
"I felt once more how simple and frugal a thing is happiness: a glass of wine, a roast chestnut, a wretched little brazier, the sound of the sea. Nothing else."
Nikos Kazantzakis, Greek author – Zorba the Greek
Gallery
FAQ
What paints do you use?
My favorite paints are made by Geneva Fine Art Supplies. I really like how these feel and how the medium is mixed in already which saves a lot of time.
Do you sell originals?
Yes we now sell originals. We have some up on the shop and are doing exhibitions but please get in touch if you're interested in a piece.
What material do you paint on?
There is an art supply shop in Athens that I use for all my canvases. They have high-quality linen canvases with oil-based primer that I like. I believe in using high-quality cavases, brushes, and paints to increase the value of the experience with the artwork.
How long does it take to make a painting?
Usually each painting takes about a month at the moment. Some can take as little as a week and some even more such as three months. I am constantly trying to figure out how to make them faster but for me the most important thing is to work on it until I feel satisfied with the outcome.
