Artist's Statement
February 26, 2010
Know Thyself. These words were inscribed above the entrance to the Ancient Greek Temple of Apollo in Delphi. Through my art, I seek the definition of who I am. This self exploration requires searching through the cultural legacy that I am part of and juxtaposing my heritage as a Hellene to my personal experience as an American. The elements of my life are interspersed to create an identity that is simultaneously familiar yet perplexing. The nostalgia of my upbringing reminds me of a time when the virtues of being a Hellene were unquestionable. Working with oil on panel allows me to manipulate my personal narrative and create episodes and realities that exist only in my mind. Painting and scraping just to rebuild the layers is cathartic in nature as each layer of paint reveals a new element to the narrative. The process of working with bronze acts as a metaphorical transportation to the past as I coax the metal into liquid forcing it to do my bidding. The material nature of the relief and the work entailed in its creation stimulate the recesses of forgotten memory to remember knowledge from long ago. As I explore every facet of the experiences that compose my being, I unravel new mysteries while gaining the clarity of wisdom. This understanding brings me closer to illumination.
Posted by julimorsella on October 27, 2010
very thoughtful and introspective. excellent artists statement.
Posted by fotioszemenides on October 27, 2010
Thank you Juli.
Posted by gayane on March 02, 2010
Excellent Statement. Very important to be honest with yourself. Congrats!
Posted by fotioszemenides on March 03, 2010
Thank you, I think that many times artist forget to be introspective enough and that actualy ends up sabotaging their work. Art is the ultimate form of expression, and everything that is on our minds is part of who we are.