Owensboro’s Zion Riley Continues to Grow as an Artist and Explore New Mediums
Photos by Jamie Plain
Twenty-three-year-old Zion Riley has been creating art for most of his life. His mother Zaneta, who is also an artist, would attend parent-teacher conferences, and his art teachers would tell her they were unsure if they were teaching him. He was just that talented.
But Riley is humble, and even with the fame he has found – first beginning with snow sculptures in 2015 – he continues to evolve and find new mediums to produce his original work.
Currently, customizing shoes is Riley’s medium, and he has nationwide commissions from people seeing his work on Facebook as Zsa ThaGreat. He considers all aspects of the shoe design, including the box they are put in. For a pair of Atlanta Braves shoes, the box resembled a baseball card displaying the custom-painted shoes.
But that doesn’t mean more traditional painting and drawing isn’t in Riley’s future, as he recently visited the Chicago Art Institute.
“I like the detail I see in other art,” he said.
Riley said it takes a lot for him to find inspiration and a common misconception is that he paints and draws daily.
“I do have a lot of stuff planned,” he said. “I want to put art everywhere.”
In 2015, while a student in Owensboro Public Schools, Riley made a snow sculpture of a Kentucky Wildcat. When later winters also produced snow, Riley created Olaf, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Local news outlets covered the sculptures and when he graduated, he attended college for art.
Riley said his surroundings are what give him inspiration, and the positivity and support of his mom keep him grounded, something a lot of artists wouldn’t admit.
“I am really rambunctious, and I have her help in simplifying ideas and staying organized,” he said.
Riley’s art is a “side hustle” right now, but he hopes that won’t always be the case.
“I am still trying to figure things out, but it changes,” Riley said.
One thing he knows he wants is to see himself everywhere – leaving his mark. He has been commissioned to complete artwork around town
He was one of 10 artists who completed a bourbon barrel for the United Way of the Ohio Valley’s Barrels of the HeART fundraiser, which is on display at Owensboro Health.
He has also presented a pastor at Belmont University with a commissioned drawing.
While Riley considers what medium he wants to work in, he does know that he wants to be seen as an Owensboro artist, among others.
“It’s been my hometown and will always be my hometown,” he said. “I have received nothing but love and support with my art and want to continue to show my talent off to those who still don’t know about me and my work.” OL
