Home About the Artist Gallery Book Links Calendar Contact
"We must give birth to our images. They are the future waiting to be born."
-Rainer Maria Rilke
Inspired by Greece


Exploring Minoan Goddess Imagery

The context for these works is my 30+ years' fascination with the many layers and dimensions of ancient Greek culture. Study of the objects and artwork found in the Bronze age archeological dig at Akrotiri reveals the joyful nature-loving spirit of the pre-patriarchal goddess-worshipping "Minoan" period. Inspired by the grace and power of 3,500 year old images, I imagine new combinations and interpretations. My paintings are part of a work-in-progress, an illustrated version of the myth of Demeter and Persephone.

The Gift of Myth is my imaginary fresco of the Mother Goddess presenting her gift of mythology to humanity. This image was inspired by two disparate objects, a Theran wall fresco from Akrotiri's House of the Ladies (ca. 1500 B.C.E.) and the as-yet-untranslated terra cotta Phaistos Disk from Crete.

A sacred Theran offering table decorated with dolphins led me to explore variations of color and setting for those ancient, mystical and symbolic creatures. (work 1, work 2)

Finally, several exuberant flying fish found on a small pottery sherd was the prompt for my quartet of color studies.

Landscapes

In my watercolor landscapes I am searching for archetypal compositions which evoke timeless contours of land formations against the vastness of sky and sea, whether in British Columbia, Mexico, Michigan or the Aegean. The medium of transparent watercolor challenges me to be open and flexible, responsive to the reactions of paper to water, pigment to brush. Calling forth a concept for a composition and interacting with vibrant colors to create an expression of my love for nature, I discover myself in the process.

copyright 2003
Still Life and Portraits
The Lydeckers' Bouquet #3

From a simple arrangement of fruit to a complex floral arrangement, the still life, like the portrait, has provided endless and accessible subject matter for artists of all levels.

Watercolor Basics Workshop

My fun and easy hands-on studio class introduces participants to some of the basic elements of watercolor painting, including materials, washes, brushstrokes, value and composition. I demonstrate in a lively step-by-step approach called a "paint-along" and everyone makes progress at each class. Prerequisite: a sense of adventure and suspension of self-criticism.

Helen Klebesadel Exercise #2



All images and text Copyright © Marjorie Graham, All Rights Reserved.
Distribution, printing, posting, and other uses in any form without written permission of the artist are strictly forbidden.

web site: tremolophoto.com
© 2006