Lea Z.

Don't mind me, just channeling my inner Night Heron. Vote for this illustration to become one of Oakland Public Library's new card designs by going to the following address and clicking "like" on the photo! https://www.facebook.com/Oaklibrary/photos/a.1438545229523114.104439256267058/1438547329522904/?type=3&theater #notcreepy #readingglasses #paperart #papercutout #birds #books #library #oaklandpubliclibrary #oakland #nycticoraxnycticorax

Happy International Women's Day! Here is my hero Tove Jansson, who hung out with communists, traveled the world alone, wore trousers when she saw fit, and who loved bravely and unabashedly. Her stories and illustrations cut straight through to the heart in the loveliest and most honest of ways. When I look at her work my heart feels full. #tovejansson #moomin #internationalwomensday #womenartists #illustrator #hero

Inspiration from the Outside World, post number two: My favorite wall around the corner from my first apartment in Oakland has been altered! Previously a plain, beautifully cracked wall with fields of random reds, this wall has served me well as a photo background and aided in several fond memories (including a portrait session with @treatjosef for which I painted her face like bacon and eggs). This weekend I discovered an important message written upon it. I feel a bit sad that my wall is no longer as it was, but life moves on so I suppose I'll embrace it. #somedaycouldbetoday #changes #inspiration #oakland #piedmont #memories

West Berkeley where the Wind always blows. Work in progress inspired by my stellar artist friend Vivian Truong, the @fiberflorist #plants #leaves #westberkeley #paperart #papercutout #greenstuff #springiscoming #workinprogress

My trusty assistant. #bestbuds #greycat #tabbycat #catsofinstagram

I had a blast designing this for the Oakland Public Library's card design contest. Wanna see it on one of the next OPL library cards? Vote by clicking "like" on the image in the link: https://www.facebook.com/Oaklibrary/photos/a.1438545229523114.1073741830.104439256267058/1438547329522904/?type=3&theater #oaklandpubliclibrary #cards #illustration #paperart #papercutout #oaklandbirds #waterbirds #lakemerritt #nightheron #nycticoraxnycticorax #books #reading #iloveoakland

Been working on a paper project that I can't share yet, so today I'm kicking off with what will become regular postings of artistic inspiration. Tide pools are my favorite-- here are some photos from a recent trip to Moss Beach with my cousin. Nothing de-clutters the soul quite like the odd, otherworldly delights of the ocean. #inspiration #sea #ocean #pacific #mossbeach #california #seasnails #kelp #coral #stones #water #texture

Interested in keeping Oakland Oakland-y? Support Flax, the rad, locally/family-owned art supply store! Stepped in today and was delighted to find an abundance of goodies, including paper types/colors that aren't available at other stores. Hooray! #oakland #flax #flaxoakland #art #local #familyowned #artsupplies #paper #makestuff

Happy Sunday! Here's a sketch and final piece of my favorite Oakland animal, the Night Heron (or "Old Man Bird", as I like to call them.)

One of my #valentines ready for send-off. Take a peek at www.zalinskis.com to view all designs available! #papercutout #paperart #valentinesday #card #greetingcard #flatcard #love #sun #moon #stars #illustration #art #space

Some more one-of-a-kind woods-inspired designs to warm the hearts of your nearest and dearest. Pick one up at www.zalinskis.com #hearts #valentines #card #originalartwork #woods #forest #leaves #paperart #papercutout #green

Hand-painted wood grain! Charming foliage! Shimmery gold deets! Here are two of ten original cutout pieces available at www.zalinskis.com--just in time for Valentine's Day! (Tell yer friends!)

Does your sweetie need some cheering up just like the rest of us? Let them know you love them to death with this skull valentine printed from an original hand-cut paper illustration. Available at www.zalinskis.com along with four other special designs. #love #papercutout #paperart #hearts #valentine #valentinesday #card #greetingcard #loveya

It's Tuesday, and that means the sharpening guy is at Hida Tools! Dropped my precious scissors off this morning and retrieved them this afternoon, freshly oiled, sharpened, and fancily rubber-banded. Bonus kitty-o sleeping in the window 😊

Is your sweetie really into commitment? Do they wish that every day were Halloween? Do they simply have a wicked sense of humor? If you've answered "Yes!" to any of the above, here's the Valentine for them! Available at www.zalinskis.com #boo! #ghosts #hearts #valentines #cards #greetingcard #illustration #paperart #papercutout

Does your sweetie find Valentine's Day overwhelmingly saccharine? Surprise them with this Two of (human) Hearts Valentine, available at www.zalinskis.com! #twoofhearts #valentine #love #humanheart #paperart #papercutout #illustration #card #greetingcard

Tell your favorite person just how you feel with this valentine featuring two best friend snails enjoying their favorite food in their very most favorite weather. This and 4 other new Valentine's Day designs in the shop at www.zalinskis.com!