Artist Statement

Watercolor painting has been a special joy for Zina for many years, especially for its qualities of transparency and luminosity.

Most of Zina’s work has an emotional symbolism that is at once personal and universal.   An old red trike evokes memories of a delicate progress toward independence and a painting of a sink full of bubbles hints of cleanliness and beginning anew for the artist.  Paper bags and egg cartons are protection, feelings of comfort and home translate to images of cozy interiors, and chairs and sofas have human personalities like softness or strength.  Well worn baby clothes remind Zina of the innocence of childhood, yet the toughness of children in their eagerness to transcend the difficulties that are a part of growing up.  Because of the current trend of biking as an environmentally prudent and fun means of transportation and exercise, Zina’s recent series of bicycle works calls to mind the joys of cycling.

Zina has both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Art Education with a specialty in painting from Towson University.  She has been represented by a variety of galleries in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard and Frederick Counties and has work in private collections both nationally and internationally.  Zina has exhibited with the Baltimore Watercolor Society for twenty-five years.

Zina teaches drawing, design and painting  for adults through Howard County’s Parks and Recreation programs as well as private and small group lessons for children and adults in her home teaching studio.

View a recent article in The Columbia Flier newspaper about an exhibit at The Meeting House Gallery which included Zina's work .