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Bio:
Zoe Furman is a 29-year-old Philadelphia based custom sneaker and fine artist. Zoe has a Bachelor’s degree in Entertainment & Arts Management from Drexel University. She began her custom sneaker business as a senior in high school in 2013 and took it full time after graduating from college in 2017. Zoe has taken art lessons and art classes during her elementary, middle and high school years but has not received formal art training. She is mostly self-taught. Zoe’s artistic talents have garnered her opportunities to craft personalized sneakers for notable individuals like Melissa Gorga, Amanda Batula, Ben Simmons, Megan Moroney, and numerous others. In 2023 Zoe began to create more fine art pieces. She primarily utilizes acrylic paints, along with incorporating pearls and crystals in her fine art. Each of Zoe’s creations is intended to stand out and captivate the viewer’s attention. Mickalene Thomas and Dan Life have been great sources of inspiration of hers.
Artist Statement:
Zoe’s artistic vision is centered around the creative industries of fashion and music. As a DJ since 2011, she enjoys turning her favorite musicians into visual art. Sometimes sneakers act as a canvas, making wearable art for clients. Other times, her canvas is quite literally a canvas or gesso board. Zoe’s deep fascination with shimmering objects has driven her creative journey, inspiring her to include crystals in select pieces of her artwork, while others come to life with the medium of acrylic paint.
To Zoe, glamour often encompasses shimmering and glowing objects alongside fashion characterized by sophistication and rich textures. Additionally, glamour embodies celebrities and musicians such as Elton John and Whitney Houston, whose talent and stage presence radiate extravagance. Their powerful vocals and dazzling attire exude glamour.
‘Sparkly Mocha’ was inspired by Travis Scott’s Air Jordan 1 Retro High sneakers. Completed in 2023 and measuring 18” x 24”, Zoe embellished this artwork with a stunning array of more than 45,000 crystals in shades of brown, white, cream, black, pink and red. Each crystal was meticulously placed by hand.
'The OG' was inspired by the Air Jordan 1 OG Chicago sneaker, an iconic sneaker. This piece serves as an ode to Michael Jordan. Completed in 2023 with a combination of over 25,000 red, white, and black crystals- each placed by hand. 'The OG' measures 16" x 20".
Zoe, an avid admirer of the fabulous and flamboyant Elton John, crafted 'Elton' as a homage to his enduring legacy. Completed in 2023, Zoe used acrylic paint and resin on top.
www.djzodesigns.com/collections/fine-art
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