Vivian Karayiannis
Houston, TX
Artist's Statement:
Many artists consider their paintings to be artistic expressions of themselves and their journey. I believe art touches the soul, and the work can provide a pathway into the contemplative process that allows for moments of personal renewal for the artist and the viewer. While my completed canvases may serve as doorways into the unknown for my viewers; for me, they have become mirrors that continue to reflect back the deeper, more intuitive part of my discovery into the shadowed arena of my inner consciousness. I stand before the blank canvas, excited and yet, a little scared, much like a pirate standing before a locked chest, hoping I will find the key that will unlock the chest and reveal its hidden treasures.
The completed works are like so many gems that, when held up to the light, reveal the many facets of my journey, the discovery process. What you see are expressions of joy, love, and excitement. They reveal the topography of my inner landscape where energy and desire meet. They are the geographical record of my soul. The maps point to the moments when chaos is conquered, when energy bursts through the seams, when the world intrudes itself into my daily life. These same peaks submerge sinking into the deeper recesses of my consciousness, leaving a vague feeling of discontent as the only footprint left to encounter during my waking hours.
My newest work arises from my long experience in creating devotional art, and my continued interest in using abstract shapes and textures, structure and fragmentation in a non-objective way. This is accomplished through the use of various painting techniques and the exploration of new ways to use traditional materials that go back to the 5th century. Gathering gold leaf, natural pigments, resins, papers, and found objects, I then used them to create an intricate mixed media surface.
Artist's Bio:
Vivian Karayiannis studied art and Byzantine iconography in Greece. In 1990 she moved to North America and since 1991 she lives in Houston. She continued her art studies at the University of Houston in the Fine Arts Department.
Since 1985, Vivian?s work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally. In addition she has numerous public and private commissions that have been installed in Europe and throughout North America.
Vivian specializes in mixed media and Byzantine iconography.
