Artist from USA/Russia
Ekaterina Zaznova is an internationally recognized contemporary watercolor artist, researcher, and educator based in New Jersey, USA. She is the creator of the original “Watercolor & Alcohol” technique, in which alcohol functions as a constructive medium grounded in fluid dynamics. Zaznova is the founder of the international platforms Pro Akvarel and About Watercolour, uniting over 10,000 artists worldwide. She is the author of the book “Watercolor. Identity. Recognition.”, distributed in 49 countries. Her works are held in private collections across the USA, Europe, and Asia and have been exhibited internationally, including at Artseeker Gallery in New York.
CRITICAL REVIEW: The artwork “Through the Fear” poetically conveyed the core theme of NEW HORIZONS – Authenticity, Resilience, and Renewal. The three purple tulips embody universal fears that, rather than obstructing, reveal themselves as thresholds to be crossed, a necessary passage between fragility and transformation. The aqua chains allude to self-imposed inner limitations, while the golden keys emerging from the indigo center suggest that possibility is generated precisely through confronting darkness.
The work becomes as a visual meditation on resilience and authenticity: facing vulnerability is framed not only as an intimate act, but as a gesture of renewal. In line with the spirit of the exhibition, the piece affirms that every limit can open into a new horizon, where fear becomes a catalyst for growth and awareness. – Dr. Carmela Loiacono, Art Curator
more. Ekaterina Zaznova | @zaznova_ekaterina
INTERVIEW with Ekaterina Zaznova
Carmela Loiacono talks with Ekaterina Zaznova who takes part in the International Art Exhibition NEW HORIZONS – Authenticity, Resilience and Renewal in Matera, at Casa Cava, from March 21 to 27, 2026.
Carmela Loiacono – Your watercolor “Through the Fear” uses floral forms to symbolize distinct fears and inner obstacles. How did the process of translating these emotions into tangible botanical imagery help you explore your own personal resilience?
Ekaterina Zaznova – My watercolor “Through the Fear” is a deeply personal work for me, as it reflects three fundamental fears that almost everyone encounters in life: the fear of the unknown, the fear of judgment, and the fear of failure.
As a creative person, I am very familiar with these fears myself. I came to art not immediately, but after making a radical life change in my early 30s.
Through this process, I realized that my fears were not obstacles, but in fact became the most powerful points of my growth. Translating these emotions into botanical forms allowed me to gently observe and transform them, turning something invisible into something tangible and meaningful.
Carmela Loiacono – The delicate chains and golden keys in your composition act as both constraints and opportunities. How do these elements reflect your understanding of vulnerability as a transformative and empowering force?
Ekaterina Zaznova – There is a phrase that has always guided me in life: “There are always at least six ways out of even the most difficult situation.”
The keys in my work symbolize these possible exits from fear. However, even when we have access to these “keys,” we are not always internally strong enough to use them – and that is where vulnerability exists.
At the same time, I believe that true strength is born именно through vulnerability and the act of overcoming it. In this sense, the chains and keys represent both limitation and potential – a moment of choice where transformation becomes possible.
Carmela Loiacono – Watercolor is a medium known for its unpredictability and fluidity. How does the inherent nature of this medium influence the balance between control and surrender in your artistic practice?
Ekaterina Zaznova – Watercolor is a unique and complex medium, often considered one of the most challenging in visual art due to its unpredictability.
For me, the balance between control and surrender depends on the intention of the work. There are moments when precision and structure are required, and others when I intentionally allow the medium to flow freely.
This dialogue between control and release is essential – it brings a sense of lightness, movement, and authenticity to the piece. In a way, working with watercolor becomes a reflection of life itself: learning when to guide and when to let go.
Carmela Loiacono – As you continue your artistic journey, how do you envision evolving the “Flower Talismans” series or exploring new directions in your work that engage with authenticity, courage, and renewal?
Ekaterina Zaznova – The “Flower Talismans” series is a very significant part of my artistic journey. It marked the beginning of my exploration into my own identity and inner world, as well as the development of my authorial technique combining watercolor and alcohol.
This series is deeply connected to themes of self-discovery, courage, and transformation. Moving forward, I see it evolving into more complex narratives – expanding both visually and conceptually.
At the same time, I am interested in exploring new directions that continue to engage with authenticity and emotional depth, while pushing the boundaries of the medium and my own artistic language.
