artist statement

I am an Egyptian dreamweaver creating whimsical worlds through watercolor paintings, textiles, miniature doll-making and puppetry. My artistic perspective dances between dimensions, where my 2D watercolor paintings step gently off the page to become delicate 3D miniature dolls and marionettes. Both my paintings and sculptures feature juxtaposed characters with qualities that present surreality rather than literal reality. They are defined by my signature zippy paint splatters, botanical elements and disfigured anatomy that coexist together in harmony.

My commitment to a vegan, slow and ethical lifestyle deeply influences what materials I create with. I am a natural paint and ink alchemist. Simultaneously, an art form in itself. I make all of my own palettes of watercolor paint, ink and textile dyes from soil scooped during my travels across the United States, produce waste from grocery stores and local farms, backyard grown flowers, wild harvested plants, nuts and tree parts. My miniature dolls and marionettes are formed with paper clay, painted with said palettes then adorned with my naturally dyed textiles and other various repurposed or up-cycled materials.

Through creating and clowning, I explore the freedom of expressing my bisexuality and heritage, the importance of compassionate connection, the value of play without purpose and the power of continuous curiosity; all to nurture and heal the inner child. My practice illustrates the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, highlighting how all our lives are delicately and beautifully intertwined. In every brushstroke and stitch, my work sparks moments of wonder and whispers stories formed with intention.

biography

WaZeil is a queer Egyptian enchantress of imagination; creating whimsical worlds through watercolor paintings, illustrations, textile work and the magic of miniature doll-making. A daughter to Egyptian immigrant parents, WaZeil is the first American-born generation in her family. Raised in a culturally and religiously strict household, her upbringing was rich with ethnic traditions but also was strained by unrealistic expectations. Through her work, she explores the defiant act of self-invention. Honoring her cultural roots while also daring to reimagine them in a way that feels authentic.

At the current age of 33, WaZeil has twenty-two original painting collections to her name. She has lived an itinerant life across the United States over the last decade and her art has been showcased in 43 of the 50 states. Finding home in traditional galleries, cozy cafés, spirited breweries, independent shops, and lively DIY venues alike. WaZeil studied Fashion Design in college and actively owns a plant-based, gender neutral clothing brand; WAZUAZcollection. All the pieces are designed, drafted, dyed and constructed in house by her and her partner. Since 2022, she has showcased three collections of wearable art at Indiana Fashion Week. She is also co-owner for the internationally known lifestyle brand, Stalph.

With many accolades under her belt, WaZeil continues to grow and blossom as an artist. Continuously exploring new to her mediums and techniques.