Zarina docken

US-based watercolor artist Zarina N Docken navigates the world with intellectual and artistic curiosity. Born in Manila, her journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at the University of the Philippines. At the same time, theater’s allure drew her in, leading to playwriting, design, and acting. After immigrating to Chicago in the early 1990s, she established a career in technology before pursuing a Master’s in Design at IIT Institute of Design.

Seeking a convenient creative medium, Zarina rediscovered watercolors in 2019. This seemingly simple medium captured her imagination, fueled by the inspiration and guidance of renowned artists like Marc Folly, Eudes Correia, Alvaro Castagnet, Keiko Tanabe and Patricia Guzman. Zarina’s work, characterized by luminous transparency and dynamic layers, has garnered recognition in national and international exhibitions and awards, including the International Watercolour Masters competition in England.

In 2024, alongside her husband, Zarina co-founded Likhaya, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering artists through entrepreneurship. Her commitment to fostering creativity and supporting fellow artists reflects her belief in the transformative power of art.