Pen + Paper – Zoe Hartman Art

Benthos (Goblin Shark)

2025, Pencil, Alcohol Marker, 17" x 11"

This redrawing of a 2021 piece is of a goblin shark in the deep sea reaching for something unattainable. In doing so, it is also coming apart, which should be a sign that it needs to find new hobbies.

I Wish I Could Wear Hats

2025, Pencil, Alcohol Marker, 8" x 5"

This drawing was inspired by the song “I wish I could wear hats” by Brian David Gilbert and the works of Maira Kalman. This drawing is just comical though, with no hidden meaning.

The Fish

2025, Pencil, Alcohol Marker, 11" x 8.5"

This drawing was inspired by Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “The Fish”. The artist felt the need to illustrate it, because the poem fit the theme of mutilated fish in their portfolio.

Victorian Mushroom Person

2024, Pencil, 11.5" x 8"

This drawing used reference from an actual photo from the Victorian Era. With that, and a dash of whimsy, it builds the mycological world that exists in the artist’s mind.

Astrophillic

2024, Pencil, Alcohol Marker, 8.5" x 6"

This is more commonly referred to as “The David Bowie” drawing, which is now more accurate than the original title. It was an experimentation with bright colors, and the use of multiple mediums to convey different textures.

Bluff

2022, Ink, 11" x 10"

One controversy the artist is most fascinated by is the idea that birds are cameras sent by the government for some avian espionage. With the prompt “Bluff” the artist illustrated (and exaggerated) this idea, to bring this creature born of paranoia to life.