Arabella Pascal has built a body of work that highlights her ability to explore identity, history, and human connection through multiple creative disciplines. Her journey reveals a deep understanding of artistic craft, cultural narratives, and storytelling that transcends traditional genres, making her a standout as both an artist and author.
Pascal's creative roots trace back to her studies in Costume Design at the University of Texas. Her specialization in Elizabethan costume design allowed her to develop a strong sense of detail, texture, and composition — skills that later informed her visual art and writing. Her transition from costume design to painting reflected her desire to express ideas beyond the constraints of performance. Inspired by California's agricultural communities and coastal landscapes, Pascal's paintings capture the region's distinct character through color and composition.
In Los Angeles, Pascal's passion for visual storytelling found another outlet with the founding of the LOOK Gallery. The gallery became a platform for artists to explore large-scale works while fostering collaboration between established and emerging creatives. LOOK Gallery projects included lectures, exhibitions, and community initiatives that reflected her belief that art should engage and inspire. By inviting industry professionals, educators, and cultural leaders to participate, she created a space that encouraged dialogue and innovation.
In addition to her work in visual arts, Arabella Pascal turned to literature as a means of exploring complex narratives. Writing under the pseudonym Arabella Pascal, author of Zanzibar, she brings her signature depth and visual precision to the page. Zanzibar, a novel set in the 19th-century spice island, reflects her commitment to blending historical research with engaging storytelling. It stands out among books about cultural displacement and feminist historical fiction for its nuanced portrayal of identity, resilience, and inner transformation.
Zanzibar was inspired by her study of odalisques in Victorian England. While examining the symbolic nature of these portrayals, Pascal's research led her to Zanzibar — a historical and cultural crossroads. The island became the backdrop for her story of personal strength, societal pressure, and self-discovery. Rather than following traditional romantic tropes, Zanzibar is built around the classical definition of romance as a quest. The narrative aligns with the best self-discovery novels and literary fiction about identity, offering readers a deep emotional and psychological journey.
Pascal's extensive travels further shaped her creative outlook. Having lived in London, Croatia, Uruguay, Germany, and South Africa, she experienced a range of cultural influences that enriched her artistic language. This international exposure is woven into her work, where themes of movement, identity, and belonging frequently emerge. Her ability to balance historical accuracy with emotional depth is key to the novel's resonance. This authenticity helps readers feel immersed in a world that is both historically grounded and emotionally resonant.
In addition to her visual and literary work, Pascal served as publisher of FORM: Pioneering Design, where she shaped conversations on architecture, design, and cultural trends. Her ability to present complex ideas in an accessible way helped her reach audiences across creative disciplines. Beyond her public roles, Pascal has consistently supported emerging talent through mentorship. By encouraging young creatives to embrace their unique perspectives, she has played a vital role in nurturing fresh voices within the artistic community.
Arabella Pascal's career reflects a commitment to creative exploration and cultural engagement. Whether through painting, writing, or curating, she has continually found ways to connect art with human experience. Her ability to translate complex themes into accessible narratives has made her work both thought-provoking and relatable. By blending artistic craft with emotional depth, Arabella Pascal has created a legacy that encourages reflection, dialogue, and self-expression.
