Artist Stories

Stories Behind the Work

An Artist's Blog from Africa to Baja California Sur

Stories Behind the Work

My Artist Blog

Where I have the privilege of sharing my personal stories on growing up in Africa, solo female traveling 35+ countries, professional athletics and the World Tour, and building an art career in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Each story offers insight (for us both) into the experiences that shape my artwork, creative process, and perspective as a contemporary artist.

Painting Outside the Algorithm - Art in 2026

Watercolor artist Isabel von Zastrow reflects on resisting the algorithm's pull toward repetition and why exploration, curiosity, and creative freedom matter more than staying in one lane. Read more...

The Business of Art - A Modern Female Artist

The contrast between building an art business and protecting creative freedom — shaped by professional sport, a childhood in Africa, and the ongoing practice of staying in the in-between. Read more...

Acting on Intuition - An Artist’s perspective on Follow Through

It’s one thing to recognize that quiet inner voice—the one that nudges, pulls, whispers this way. It’s another thing entirely to actually follow it and lean in. Especially when nobody... Read more...

Intuition - The Inner Voice of an Artist

Looking back, I can see how everything was quietly preparing me to become an artist. Growing up in East Africa felt raw and honest where nature doesn’t hesitate when it... Read more...

Flow State from Kiteboarding to Watercolor | An Artist’s Perspective

The Similarities Between Sport and Painting: Flow, Discipline, and the Art of Showing Up There is a moment—whether on a wave, a court, a mountain, or in front of a... Read more...

Becoming an Artist - The move to Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

Becoming an Artist I would not have predicted this future for myself but I could have believed it. I grew up around incredibly strong women and therefore, I have a... Read more...

Returning to Africa Part 3 - Discovering Kiteboarding in Zanzibar

After climbing Kilimanjaro at 17, I landed in Zanzibar with no plan — and discovered kiteboarding. What followed changed everything. Read more...

Climbing Kilimanjaro - The Return to Africa PART 2

Part 2 of my first solo journey to Africa at age 17 to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, a childhood dream and right of passage. Read more...

My Grandmother - Countess and Artist

Exploring my heritage is revealing artists throughout. Marianne von Zastrow was my grandmother and also a very successful artist in New York City. Read more...

Leaving Home Alone at 17: The Return to Africa PART 1

This story begins with four years of living in the USA working and saving to leave at 17 and return to Africa. From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to precious time with... Read more...

Growing Up Wild: A Childhood in East Africa

This first blog is a glimpse into where it all started—hours spent alone, watching the world pass by from a car window somewhere deep in East Africa with my family.... Read more...