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in my heart, and they brought me countless hours of joy and amusement as I played and cherished my newfound treasure.
Reflecting on the essence of a true portrait, my artistic journey led me to the enchanting techniques of egg tempera and acrylic, and the captivating work of Fr. Stamatis Skliris. His art radiates effortless joy, combining nuanced shades and vibrant hues to con- vey triumph over pain. His skillful use of proportion and color breathes life into every subject, capturing life’s fleeting moments with poetic grace, reminis- cent of Van Gogh’s ability to infuse the ordinary with profound meaning.
First encountering Skliris’s work in 1994 in Ath- ens, I was struck by the depth and contemplation in his paintings. From humble subjects like fruits and stones to grand themes, he invites viewers to a spir- itual feast, magnifying the Creator’s beauty in simple yet profound ways. Skliris’ art is a testament to the beauty and wonder in the Creator’s works, inspiring us to appreciate and revere these blessed creations.
Stamatis’ paintings invite us to celebrate the splendor of existence and the wonders of the trans- figured world. Each stroke of his brush is a testament to the beauty that awaits us, inspiring us to cherish and revere the miraculous creations of the Creator.
In art’s canvas, the turmoil finds a voice,
An expression of anxieties, a powerful choice . No excommunication, for I understand,
It mirrors human struggles, on every hand .
In the contemporary era, where images domi- nate and visibility is paramount, painting once again seeks to fulfill its traditional mission: to bridge the
gap between the visible and the invisible, and to grasp the essence of things while preserving their physical form.
Yet, at the forefront of my exploration was the belief that art is a conduit for the movement from thinghood to personhood. This transition was pivot- al in understanding the essence of art, distinguish- ing it from technological creations. Art transcends mere objectivity, elevating substances, shapes, and sounds into realms of personal presence. This trans- formative power, wherein mundane elements are imbued with significance, underscores the unique capability of human beings as creators. Unlike the outputs of emerging computer technologies, art re- tains a distinct connection to the human spirit, high- lighting the irreplaceable value of the human touch in creativity.
Through modern art’s lens, I empathize,
As it unveils the depths where suffering lies.
The brushstrokes and colors, emotions laid bare, Reflecting the human state, life’s wear and tear.
Though painting can sometimes seem redun- dant and anthropocentric, with unyielding static el- ements, it retains its significance by interpreting the spirit of the age, uncovering the unknown, and giv- ing form to the intangible. It imposes its grand and elegant visual ethos on the destiny of humankind.
For me, painting is not just an art form; it reflects inspired naivety and celebrates life’s joys. My work is a meditative exploration, striving to manifest the ethereal and unseen. I walk in the footsteps of the Byzantine masters and ancient hagiographers, art- ists who created in times devoid of modern ease and
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