Cell of Saint Joseph the Hesychast, Mount Athos Painting

ARTIST BIO A professional translator, psychologist, and an avid traveler, Elena has always been fascinated by what is over there beyond the horizon. When in the year 2020 the everyday reality was squeezed between the walls of one´s home by the pandemic, she felt a strong urge to create her own traveling destinations – on canvas, using first acrylic and later oil paints. Since then it has been an exciting creative journey into the wonderful realm of land-, sea-, city- and countryscapes, through extensive practicing via numerous online tutorials and later en plein air. Elena´s big passion is Greece, the land she first visited many years ago. The future artist immediately fell in love with its breathtaking views, vibrant colors, gentle sea, unique architecture, kind-hearted people, deep spirituality, and the ever-present gatoules – cats. She likes to include these cute creatures, the unofficial symbol of the country, into her creative works in different forms, shapes and sizes. Another important symbol of Greece, the impressive Eastern Orthodox churches, are also often present in her paintings. Being a self-taught artist with a strong calling, Elena highly appreciates the transformative power of art which can brighten the mundanity of life. Her professional psychological background helps her create harmonious color combinations and dreamy moods that lift the viewers above daily anxieties and caringly bring them to safe and happy places. Thus, a kind of healing therapy is provided via her painted works. ARTIST STATEMENT Carpe Diem Once I was told that my name means “shining light” in Greek language. It is an absolute joy and a great honor for me to see people lighten up while looking at my paintings. The media and techniques I use as an artist vary from acrylics to oils, from smooth to rough textures - but the message is always the same: sticking with the timeless is the ultimate recipe for happiness. Celebrate the here and now, be fully present in the moment: no sadness from the past, no worries about the future. This is a very simple yet powerful philosophy I´m trying to transmit through my works. I will feel truly fulfilled if my paintings help bringing out the elusive yet omnipresent harmony of the world in your eyes, heart and soul.