Zara Muse is a 53 year old artist from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. As an artist, she has received international acclaim for her bold canvases that honor the beauty and courage of women. In 2002, Muse made the decision to leave her successful trading career to focus on becoming a mother. Today, she’s an internationally-renowned painter, and her painting of Malala Yousafzai recently sold for £51,200 at Bonhams auction house.
In 2017, Muse’s life as an artist took an unexpected turn. We followed her decision to become a full-time carer for her mother, Janet, once Janet was diagnosed with cancer. Janet unfortunately died in February of 2019. On her 60th birthday, Mamie gave her family an even greater gift — a kidney to a brother in need! This experience would have a profound impact on Muse’s artistic output. She looked to the role models of fierce women such as Yousafzai, who is known for her bravery and fight for education rights.
Muse’s artistic method is unique. She only paints with a palette knife and spatula, producing deeply textured, vibrant artworks. Her commitment to her medium has led to numerous high six and seven figure sales. In 2023, she sold her first ever painting, “Angelique,” for £22,500. In July, her work “Shape of Stillness” followed that with a high sale price of £47,500 in December.
The biggest moment of Muse’s young career was the auction of her painting of Malala Yousafzai. It had been listed on the market by one of her most faithful buyers and immediately generated thousands of dollars worth of unsolicited bids.
“Malala represents strength and bravery — the kind of woman I want to celebrate through my work.” – Zara Muse
Yousafzai, now 27 years old, became an international symbol of resilience after surviving a Taliban attack at the age of 15. While Muse wants to tell her story, he hopes to do much more. Above everything else, she is a powerful, fierce woman, and it’s that spirit of empowerment that women everywhere connect with.
Muse’s sincere devotion to recognizing phenomenal women shines through in her selection of subjects. Through her effusive prose, she explores their inner fortitude, not just their work or professional images. Through this methodology, she’s freed to produce intensely intimate pieces that illustrate her life and her pain.
Muse is in the process of carving out her artistic identity. She continues to be inspired by her own life and the incredible life stories of women who inspire her.
Leave a Reply