Artist Statement

The essence of my work is history, myth and the fantastical. My Greek heritage is one of great legends and stories that my ansesters used to explain the elements of the world they didn't understand. Tornadoes became great serpents, Earthquakes the footsteps of enormous beasts and volcanic eruptions were great plumes of fire breathed by a creature from the underworld. I grew up reading these stories and looking at the detailed depictions of these monsters printed on the pages. I became so fascinated by these myths that I plasted all the loose paper I could find with serpents, dragons and chimeras.

It started my great obsession with doodling and the mythological. Now here down the road I am revisiting these myths and childhood fantasies. With new skills, I am able to depict these ancient beasts with the detail and presence they deserve. I chose bleach paintings and black paper to highlight a dark vs light motif and give a greater emphasis on detail. I carve each hair, scale or wrinkle in with a toothpick, slowly bringing the creature to life. I give them a realistic feel while still preserving their fantastical, unreal appeal. When I create a piece within this topic, I feel as if it connects me with those ancient Greeks that I never could never know. I can feel their fear and awe as I depict the creatures that were so real to them.

These myths may only live on decendants like me and legend alone, but given the right dignity, they can still be honered and respected today. Even as I push on I into the future with my more cartoony current style, I will carry these myths with me. They will remind me of where I came from and how my heritage shaped me as a person and me as an artist. I continue to improve and will work to creating masterful art that depict the Greek myths in a way that brings the same awe the the Ancient Greeks had towards these creatures to the public.

Sierra Soulakis
May 21, 2014