Margaret Zylstra
Chattanooga, Tennessee
My work focuses on creating abstract scenes and landscapes meant to spark imagination and invite personal reflection.
Message
Margaret Zylstra, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Margaret Zylstra is a self-taught artist who grew up in an environment where creativity and DIY skills were encouraged and taught. Her parents demonstrated how to knit, sew, and build, giving her a solid foundation in hands-on creative activities. These early formative experiences nurtured her love for making and creating.
Margaret's journey into painting began after retiring from a 40-year career in nursing. Shifting from caring for others to exploring art proved to be both enriching and fulfilling, allowing her to discover new aspects of herself through the expressive use of color and texture. With paint brushes and palette knives, she welcomes the unpredictability and joy of creation. Art serves as a meaningful connection for her—with creation itself and with the Creator—bringing beauty to the world and adding richness to her life.
Margaret’s artistic focus centers on abstract scenes and landscapes crafted to spark imagination and invite personal interpretation. She especially enjoys hearing the stories viewers find within her paintings, as their unique perspectives add new life and meaning to each piece. Listening to these responses is deeply rewarding for her and reminds her that art is a shared experience—allowing others to discover something special for themselves.
Statement
My paintings emerge from a fusion of abstract imagination and subtle realism, inspired by the world around me and the depths of my soul. Each canvas begins as a journey—sparked by a sunrise, a beloved shade of blue, a meaningful phrase, or simply the desire to create something beautiful to share. I am drawn to exploring how color, movement, and a variety of tools interact to reveal unexpected visual possibilities. Often, the paint speaks to me, guiding what the piece wants to become and showing me what it still needs.
Using vibrant acrylics and oils, I build layers of color and texture with brushes, palette knives, straight edges, rags, and even my hands. The interplay of light and dark adds depth and character, transforming ordinary subjects into something uniquely expressive. At times, the image that emerges surprises even me, inviting a pause to step back and see the work from a new perspective. Abstract paintings may contain hints of landscape, while landscapes themselves often carry abstract elements.
The materials I choose and the ways I layer paint reflect my desire to capture both the seen and the unseen. Painting is my way of honoring the creative spirit within me—a gift from God. As I create, I enter a meditative space, reflecting on my life’s journey and faith. Through this process, I hope to bring joy to others, preserve meaningful memories, and offer moments of stillness and reflection. Viewers are invited to discover their own personal meaning within each piece, allowing the artwork to resonate with them in a heartfelt and individual way.