Introducing:  Zen Appleby

My work begins and ends with people.

I am a painter, storyteller, and quiet observer of human nature — working mainly in acrylic on canvas and figurative realism, often drawing from portraiture, anatomy, and a sense of mystery. Painting, for me, is more than a medium. It’s where I process emotion, memory, and meaning — a trance-like space where the world slows down enough to be truly seen. I started painting on my bedroom walls with watercolours as a teenager, and in that self revolutionary act of creativity, I found peace, patience, and something that felt like home.

My greatest muse is humanity. I’m endlessly fascinated by faces — how each one carries its own landscape of stories, yet somehow echoes the same shared longing. I aim to capture those threads in my work: the connection in difference, the beauty in the mundane, the quiet extraordinariness of everyday people.

Alongside painting, I’m the creator and editor of MALL & brí, a slow art and culture magazine that celebrates mostly Irish artists and makers; also featuring reviews, thought pieces, and resources. Born from a desire to make something lasting in a world of speed, the magazine is my way of honouring work that unfolds with care. It’s published four times a year with a small team of contributors, and holds space for re-reading, reflection, and discovery — of both familiar names and hidden gems.

Another thread in my creative life is the custom photo books I make for clients — one-of-a-kind, hand-cut, scrapbook-style keepsakes. What began as a gift for a best friend evolved into something deeper: a chance to design lasting stories around people’s relationships, occasions, and memories. These projects combine my love for graphic design, meaningful gifting, and the same spirit of portraiture that runs through my paintings — giving people a centre stage in their own narrative.

Across everything I do the heart of the work is the same: to hold up a mirror to the ordinary, and show that it is already enough.

I’m based in Galway, a city full of soul and story. I’m self-taught, shaped by trial and error, curiosity, and a deep belief in learning through doing. My influences range from editorial photography to the small details most would overlook. I believe the most inspiring people are those who remind us of ourselves. That art doesn’t need to be heroic to be unforgettable. That flaws don’t subtract — they add.

If someone encounters my work for the first time, I hope they feel seen. I hope they feel like the “boring” or unnoticed parts of their lives might be the most beautiful after all.

Let’s make space for realness, tenderness, and the truth that every face tells a story.