Meet Zoë
Zoë Tyler Dunham, a Detroiter born and raised, is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a concentration in Metalsmithing. Her mother played a significant role in nurturing her interest in the arts. As a child, Zoë was exposed to various forms of artistic expression, including drawing, beadwork, clay work, and papier-mâché.
During her early college years at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, Michigan, Zoë focused on discovering her artistic path. While many subjects resonated with her childhood interests, she primarily concentrated on ceramics during that time. After transferring from CCS to Oakland Community College, she later moved to Wayne State University, where she shifted her focus to metalsmithing.
Dunham has exhibited work in the 2015 Undergraduate Student Exhibition at CCS and will showcase her work in a class exhibition titled "Chromatic Dialogue" at Wayne State University in April 2025.
artist statement
I strive to create art that resonates with my personal experiences and emotions, hoping others will also find joy and meaning in it. My work serves as a reflection of my inner dialogue—addressing the issues that concern me, exploring themes of self-reflection, and drawing inspiration from the world around me. I have engaged with various mediums, each offering a distinct opportunity for expression. I utilize earth-based materials such as stoneware, terracotta clay, plaster, silver, copper, and various semi-precious gemstones. I also have used fiber materials, including cotton and wool; and more traditional fine art medium like graphite and charcoal pencils on paper.
What excites me most is the opportunity to acquire new skills and techniques. Each discovery brings a sense of fulfillment and ignites my creativity in unexpected ways. The notion of continuous growth permeates my thoughts and work, aligning with my diverse interests. I gain immense satisfaction from the challenge of utilizing these techniques, whether they are traditional methods or more innovative approaches, and I gladly embrace the opportunity to blend them into various art forms.
I am currently focused on refining my lost wax casting techniques. I work with a variety of materials, incorporating casting stones alongside metal and utilizing different casting machines. This ongoing exploration fuels my artistic passion and drives me to experiment with various mediums and styles. My goal is to create work that reflects my deep desire for personal growth. I invite others to join me on this journey of discovery, encouraging them to engage with my art and find inspiration for their own creative paths. This fusion of mediums fosters innovation and creativity, prompting the viewer to think critically and also explore new ideas with me. I aim to cultivates curiosity and inspires a desire to question, leading to new discoveries and personal growth. My commitment to lifelong learning positively influences those around me, encouraging them to think outside the box and push the boundaries of what is possible in the art world.