Patterns of Small Sea Kingdoms 2021 Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas 32 in. x 40 in.
The Grand Public Building of Zakynthos 2020 Acrylic and Mica on Canvas 26 in. x 40 in. SOLD
This must be their Ruler 2020 Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas 26 in. x 30 in.
On the Floor of Silent Seas 2021 Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas 18 in. x 24 in.
Zakynthos Series
In 2013, an archaeologist discovered what they thought were the remains of an ancient Greek city in shallow water off the coast of the island of Zakynthos. Large stone structures appeared to be the bases of columns and a succession of slabs resembled paving stones. After a series of tests were carried out, archaeologists brought in a team of geologists who concluded that the column bases were geologic formations and that sea life migrations created some of the stone markings on the slabs. What appeared to be the remnants of an ancient Greek city were caused by natural formations.
We see what we want to see. These paintings explore the city that never was. When looking for monuments to human greatness, everything looks like a classical Greek column. Even after it was revealed that Zakynthos was not a human site, it was hard to unsee the city. As with other series, I am interested in mimesis and the ways that symbols inspire narrative.
To imitate sediment, I layered paint, sand, pumice, and molding paste. I used various tools to simulate animals’ marks along the seafloor. While there are no political rulers in their world, there are systems that are far too intricate for us to understand.