Zao Wang Assad is an artist who follows curiosity and intuition rather than rules. Born into one culture and shaped by another, she has always been drawn to the balance of structure and freedom—whether in movement, breath work, or now, painting. Her artistic journey started unexpectedly in her mid-50s. While reflecting on her ancestors, she felt an urge to create. Without overthinking it, she grabbed a branch instead of a brush and started painting. That moment sparked an ongoing exploration of color, texture, and unconventional tools. She works with oils, acrylics, and mixed media, often blending styles that resist easy classification. For her, painting is about allowing, not forcing—trusting the process rather than controlling it. Inspired by the idea that “seeing is forgetting the name of the thing one sees,” she approaches art with a sense of play, letting each piece evolve naturally. Last year, as a birthday surprise, her husband submitted one of her paintings to the San Diego County Fair. She was shocked to win first place in the nonrepresentational category . That moment confirmed what she already knew—art is about showing up, letting go, and seeing what unfolds.

I never set out to be a painter—it just happened. One day in my mid-50s, while thinking about my ancestors, I felt the urge to create. I grabbed whatever was nearby—a branch instead of a brush—and started painting. That moment opened a door I didn’t even know was there.nSince then, my art has been about freedom and exploration. I mix oils, acrylics, and pigments, using anything from traditional brushes to random objects I find. My style shifts between abstract and surreal, structured and free-flowing—whatever feels right in the moment. Creativity has always been part of my life, whether through yoga, breathwork, or even fermentation (which, like painting, is all about transformation and patience). I don’t try to control the process—I just follow where it leads. Last year, my husband entered my work in the San Diego County Fair, and to my surprise, I won first place. That experience reinforced what I believe: art isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, letting go, and seeing what unfolds. I hope my work invites others to do the same—to experience, not just observe.