Today we’d like to introduce you to Zeynep Lebe Watson.
Zeynep, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Turkey, surrounded by a vibrant culture and a close-knit community. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English Language and Literature, which set the foundation for my passion for language, learning, and communication. About three years ago, I made the life-changing decision to move to the United States. Beginning a new chapter in a new country brought both challenges and excitement, but it also opened the door to the work I now feel truly called to do.
Starting over helped me understand, on a personal level, what it means to build a life in a new place. That experience fuels my commitment to adult education and to supporting those who are navigating their own transitions. Over time, I became a full-time ESL instructor and currently serve as the lead ESL teacher at my community college, where I strive to help students grow in confidence, skills, and opportunity.
Throughout this journey, art has been my anchor. Painting is more than a hobby — it is my therapy, my creative release, and my way of making sense of change. My paint and brushes helped me feel grounded long before everything else fell into place.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Starting over in a new country comes with many invisible challenges — navigating a new culture, rebuilding a support system from scratch, and proving yourself all over again both personally and professionally. Even with a strong educational background, there were moments when I felt like I had to constantly justify my knowledge and abilities while adapting to a new academic and workplace environment.
Outside of work, finding balance was tough. It took time to create a sense of home, rediscover joy through my art, and allow myself to grow into the new version of who I was becoming. Each struggle brought growth, resilience, and a clearer understanding of why I do what I do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My art is rooted in emotion, memory, and movement. I mainly work with acrylics, and I love exploring bold colors, expressive brushstrokes, and abstract forms that capture what words can’t always express. Because painting has been such an important part of my own healing and adjustment journey, my work often reflects themes of transition; finding belonging, navigating change, and celebrating resilience.
I think what sets my art apart is that it’s deeply tied to lived experience. I don’t paint just to create something visually appealing: I paint to translate the inner world of someone adapting, grieving, growing, or rebuilding.
Ultimately, my goal is to continue creating art that is honest, emotional, and empowering; work that reminds people they are not alone in their journeys and that beauty can come from even the most challenging transitions.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending winter evenings with my grandmother. She would sit with me at the table, keep me company, and bring out little snacks to make the moment feel special. We would draw together; simple, cozy sketches shared between us as the cold weather pressed against the windows. Those quiet moments of creativity, love, and encouragement stayed with me. They were the beginning of my connection to art, and even now, whenever I paint, I feel a little bit of that warmth and care she gave me.
Pricing:
- 50
Contact Info:
