Artist Focus | Zaza Lewis — Bringing Fabric and Paper to Life

During a recent event in Derby, I had the pleasure of meeting Zaza Lewis, a mixed media textile artist whose work instantly captivates with its vibrant colours and intricate details. What made the encounter truly special was watching Zaza in action — carefully cutting and layering hundreds of fabrics beneath her delicate paper designs. Seeing her creative process up close gave a real appreciation for the precision, patience, and passion behind each of her pieces.

From the Southwest of France to the Heart of Derby

Originally from the Southwest of France, Zaza now calls Derby home. Her dual heritage shines through in her artwork, combining the warmth and vibrancy of her French roots with the contemporary creativity of her adopted country. “You will see both the influence of my French roots and my adopted country reflected in my work,” she says — and indeed, her pieces seem to bridge two worlds beautifully.

The Birth of a Unique Art Form

Zaza describes herself as a mixed media textile artist, but that barely begins to capture the originality of her process. Her art combines intricate paper cuts, designed and cut by hand with a scalpel, layered over hundreds of colourful fabrics.

“It took me six months to experiment with different mediums,” she explains. “I enjoyed the clean sharp lines of the black paper, but I wasn’t satisfied with a monochrome result. I had stacks of fabric on my shelves and so it seemed a great solution… I hadn’t seen anyone else using these two mediums together, so I was not confident it would work — but I am very pleased to say it does.”

That leap of faith paid off. Zaza’s work now stands out for its distinctive textures, luminous colours, and emotional warmth — each piece a celebration of detail and imagination.

Milestones and Moments That Matter

Like many artists, Zaza treasures the small victories and the personal connections her work creates. “A very meaningful moment was at my first exhibition, as part of Derbyshire Open Arts in 2018,” she recalls. “A lady I didn’t know bought a picture from me. I am still in touch with her, and she has become a collector of my work.”

That first exhibition marked the start of a flourishing artistic journey. The same year, she won her first prize at a Summer Exhibition in Nottingham, and several others have followed since.

Challenges of the Creative Life

Artistic success rarely comes without challenges. For Zaza, the toughest part has been the solitude of the studio. “The hardest part for me – and for probably most artists – is the isolation when in the studio for hours,” she admits. “Sometimes I have to force myself to go in, but as soon as I start to work, my mood changes — I’m excited and happy again.”

She’s also refreshingly honest about the realities of exhibiting: “It can be brutal when people around you are selling their art, or when the footfall is low. Despite the high costs of taking part, there are no guarantees.”

Yet, her resilience and love for the craft always shine through.

Inspiration from Everyday Beauty

Zaza’s inspiration comes from the world around her — landscapes, people, streets, and nature. “I take inspiration from landscapes I’ve walked miles through, streets and people watching, objects or plants I look at every day that I suddenly see in a different light,” she says. “I get butterflies when I am working on something new — that’s how much I love it.”

Her philosophy is simple but heartfelt: “My motivation and challenge is finding the best way possible to bring joy and emotions through my art.”

An Evolving Artistic Voice

Zaza’s style has evolved considerably over the years. Initially precise and graphic — a reflection of her background in graphic design and map-making — her work has since become more fluid and expressive. “Over time, I loosened up my style,” she explains. “My landscapes especially do not have a hard edge anymore but are very fluid and imply there is more outside the picture area. I keep telling myself, there is no right or wrong and I listen to my heart and feelings a lot more.”

What’s Next for Zaza Lewis

Currently, Zaza is working on a new piece inspired by the picturesque towns of Southwest France, featuring tall, narrow houses, people by the riverside, and the warm charm of everyday life. The scene, she says, flows “from the sky to the river” across a large 100 x 50 cm board — a labour of love that continues to push her creativity forward.

Connecting with Viewers

Perhaps the most rewarding part of Zaza’s work is seeing how people react to it. “I love seeing the change on people’s faces when looking at my work,” she says. “They start smiling as they get closer… they talk to their friend or partner about how this is not a painting but looks like one from a distance.” Her goal is simple: “I want people to see something new and fresh, and experience their own connections and emotions.”

Advice for Aspiring Artists

Zaza’s advice to fellow artists is both encouraging and wise:
“Being an artist is a journey — mine took many years because I zig-zagged along the way, so be patient and find your unique style. Make lots of art, make 100 pictures or more, and develop your own unique voice.”