Interview - Zara Muse

Introduction to Alex

Text by Lilly Becker

Photo by Heide Barroll Brown

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Throughout my journey of building my website and brand, I’ve been profoundly inspired by women who have turned their pain into power, their turmoil into triumph. Time and again, I’ve found myself drawn to these exceptional souls, their stories of resilience lighting the way for so many others. Often, I’ve meditated, asking the universe to guide me to such women—to connect me with those who have embraced their struggles and transformed them into extraordinary successes.

Recently, the universe answered.

I met Alex during a luncheon, and from the moment we were seated together, it was as if fate had orchestrated the encounter. The connection was immediate and electric, like meeting someone you’ve known your whole life or feeling the rush of excitement when you meet a kindred spirit for the first time. Alex radiates an infectious warmth, her smile so big and genuine that you can’t help but smile in return.

As we talked and connected, an unexpected moment deepened the bond between us. A song played softly in the background, stirring powerful emotions in Alex. She cried—not tears of sorrow, but those of joy and reflection. The vulnerability she displayed was so raw and moving that I found myself shedding tears alongside her. In that moment, she invited me into her world, letting me glimpse the pain that shaped her journey—a pain she’s courageously turned into success while still honoring its presence in her life.

Captivated by her openness and the strength it takes to wear one’s heart so boldly, I couldn’t resist asking if I could interview her. Her answer was an enthusiastic yes, and I silently thanked the universe again for this remarkable opportunity. Serendipitously, Heidi, our talented photographer, was present, ready to capture the magic of the moment.

As I scurried to find the perfect location for the photos, Alex seamlessly juggled multiple demands. With grace and poise, she prepared to auction off one of her paintings—a stunning piece of art depicting a beautiful Black woman adorned with a diamond in her ear. Her art, like Alex herself, speaks volumes; it doesn’t just catch your eye—it tells a story, one that resonates deeply.

The more I saw of Alex that day, the more I marveled at her talent, energy, and ability to inspire. Her work transcends the canvas, breathing life and meaning into every brushstroke. Watching her art come to life, I couldn’t help but wonder: dare I ask her to paint me one day?

Whilst writing this, I was reminded again of Alex’s kindness and the universe’s guidance. Shortly after our meeting, Alex had sent me a red Kabbalah string to wear on my left hand—a gesture of protection, strength, and connection. As I sit here crafting this story, that string rests on my wrist, a tangible reminder of Alex’s generosity and the serendipity of our encounter. It fills me with gratitude, grounding me and making me feel protected. Once again, I find myself silently thanking the universe for bringing Alex into my life.

And so, I am honored to introduce Alex—a woman whose journey is as striking and impactful as her artistry. Her story and her work promise to leave an indelible mark on anyone fortunate enough to meet her or witness her creations.

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Introduction

Zara Muse was born out of a storm—both personal and creative—and like the force of nature her name evokes, she’s impossible to ignore. The alter ego of Alexandra Johnson, Zara is not just an artist; she is the embodiment of transformation, a woman who carved herself from the raw material of loss, love, and an unyielding need to create. Her paintings, crafted with palette knives and spatulas, rise from the canvas in vivid, three- dimensional textures, speaking a language of emotion, nature, and human connection. Every brushstroke, every bold color, pulses with life and depth. To look at her work is to feel it—deeply.

Her story begins like the pages of an unwritten novel, where fate and family weave their threads into an intricate tapestry. Zara’s lineage is rich with artistic blood. Her cousin—a renowned street artist—ushered her into the world of raw, unapologetic creativity. As a child, she spent her summers immersed in this world of color and chaos, where art wasn't just a hobby; it was a language, a rebellion, a way of being. But for Zara, the path to becoming an artist would not be a straightforward one.

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Instead, it would twist and turn through the rigid, demanding corridors of the financial world. In her early career, Zara was a force in the City of London—a sharp, successful trader with a keen mind for numbers. But beneath the polished surface of her career, a hunger was growing. She found herself captivated by the graffiti that marked the streets of the city, the frenetic energy of street art, its unapologetic expression. There was something in the rawness of it, the way it shouted without asking permission, that mirrored a deeper part of Zara—a part of her that had yet to surface.

But to create—really create—Zara needed to overcome a more personal hurdle: the fear of rejection. Beneath her poised exterior, she was paralyzed by a quiet, insidious voice that told her she was not enough. That her art would never be good enough. So, she kept her paintings hidden, tucked away in the shadows of her private world, while the dream of becoming an artist slowly smoldered in the background.

And then came the In 2017, Zara’s world was upended when her mother, Janet, was storm. diagnosed with cancer. The disease was a thief, robbing them both of precious time. Zara became her mother’s primary caregiver, pouring herself into the role, but even as she gave all of herself to Janet, she could feel the weight of her own unspoken grief growing. In February 2019, after a courageous battle, Janet passed away. Zara was left shattered, adrift in the sea of her own grief, her anchor gone, her world turned upside down.

It was in the midst of that grief—during the isolating years of the COVID-19 pandemic—that Zara found herself face-to-face with her own pain. And for the first time, she reached for her palette knife. What began as an attempt to soothe the ache inside her became something more. It became her salvation. Each brushstroke, each layer of color, was a step toward healing. The act of creation was her way of exhaling, of finding herself again. It was the rebirth of Zara Muse.

Encouraged by her children—who recognized her talent long before she did—Zara allowed herself to be seen. She stepped out of the shadows and shared her work with the world, no longer afraid of judgment, no longer hiding from the world that had once intimidated her. Zara Muse was born, and her art became a celebration of life, love, and the power of embracing both beauty and pain.

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Her paintings are more than just images; they are invitations. Invitations to feel. To confront our deepest emotions. To embrace the beauty in imperfection. Each piece is a testament to Zara’s journey—a journey of transformation, of triumph over loss, and of finding the strength to rise again. Her work radiates warmth, positivity, and resilience, like a beacon calling others to connect, to heal, and to find their own power.

Zara Muse is a woman who turned her grief into her greatest strength, her vulnerability into her most powerful art. She is a walking testament to the idea that from the deepest wounds can arise the most breathtaking beauty. Her art speaks to the strength within us all—the strength to face our fears, to embrace our emotions, and to find healing through creation.

Step into Zara’s world, and discover the magic of her journey—a journey that proves that even in our darkest hours, there is light. Even in our deepest grief, there is a way to rise. Zara Muse’s story is one of endless possibility, a reminder that, no matter the obstacles we face, we all have the power to create something extraordinary.

Kind Regards

Sharlely Becker

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1. Can you describe the moment you decided to embrace your identity as an artist, and what that felt like after years of hiding your work?

The moment I fully embraced my identity as an artist was a bittersweet revelation during the isolation of lockdown. After my mum passed away, I found myself grappling with profound grief, and it was in that stillness that I picked up a brush. Painting became my sanctuary, an unexpected lifeline that transformed my sorrow into vibrant colors and emotions. It felt like finally unlocking a hidden part of myself, a long-lost friend that had been waiting patiently for the right moment to emerge.

2. How did caring for your mother during her illness influence your art and your emotional journey?

Being my mother’s sole caregiver for two years was both a tremendous honor and a heart-wrenching journey. She was a force of nature, a woman who always had the answers. Losing her left an enormous void, but it also revealed the incredible network of women in my life who surrounded me with love and support. Their kindness was like a warm embrace, guiding me back to joy. Through this experience, I discovered that vulnerability can be a powerful source of strength, shaping not just my art but the very essence of who I am.

3. What specific techniques or materials do you find most cathartic when expressing your emotions through painting?

My favorite tools are a loaded pallet knife and vivid acrylic paints, which I wield like a sculptor shaping emotions on canvas. Each stroke builds upon the last, creating rich layers that echo the complexity of life itself. It’s a dance between chaos and control, where every layer tells a story—my story. As I paint, I find freedom in the process, a cathartic release that allows me to explore the depths of my feelings and emerge with something beautiful.    

4. How do you hope your art will impact those who encounter it, especially in terms of confronting their own emotions or experiences?

I aspire for my art to be a beacon of hope for those who encounter it. When viewers gaze upon my pieces, I want them to see powerful women who embody resilience and strength, no matter what life throws their way. My hope is that they recognize their own capacity to navigate challenges and emerge stronger. Art has the unique ability to spark introspection, and I aim to create a dialogue that encourages people to confront their emotions and embrace their own journeys.  

5. What advice would you give to someone struggling with self-doubt and fear of rejection in pursuing their creative passions?

To anyone wrestling with self-doubt, I say this: dive into what makes your heart sing! Pour your passion and love into every endeavor, no matter how daunting it may seem. I firmly believe that when it’s your time to shine, the universe conspires to put you in the right place at the right time. Trust the process, embrace the journey, and let your creativity flow. Remember, every masterpiece starts with a single brushstroke, and your voice deserves to be heard.

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