GEOMAGNETIC TRAVELLOGUE - Cyprus

The Mediterranean Island of Cyprus has been inhabited since
Neolithic times. The Greeks and the Turks have been fighting over
the island for thousands of years. Ironically, it is the
legendary birthplace of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.
The name "Cyprus" is probably a derivative of the Greek word for
copper, which has been mined on the island since ancient times.
This is probably the reason why Aphrodite/Venus is associated
with the element Copper.

It was not until November 1, 1974 (the exact day and year I
was born) that a delicate peace agreement was reached for Cyprus.
On this date, the U.N. drew a "green line" down the middle of the
island, dividing it between the Greeks and the Turks.

I felt a certain "geomagnetic attraction" to Cyprus-- from the
birthday connection wiht this date in Cypriot history, to the
mythological, anthropological, and even geological history of the
place. I found the association with a "love goddess" intriguing,
as well as the importance of materials like copper and honey.

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Double Cypriot (2007)

oil and charcoal on canvas 60" x 96"

This painting, like Cyprus is divided in two. Yet,
it attempts to bring two strong, beautiful, and ancient
personalities into balance. The beehive that appears
throughout my work is a reference to ancient mediterranean
associations with bees and immortality. The Greeks
believed that the immortal gods had honey flowing through
their veins; they buried their dead in beehive-shaped
tombs, and honey was recognized as a substance that
had curative and preservative powers.

Double Cypriot (details)

Syrtos (2006)

plaster, graphite, on wall

The Syrtos is a dance with both Greek and
Turkish origins. It features the unusual
7/4 rythym, and its steps create a spiraling
movement. In nature, the spiral is a form
that relieves and balances tension and
opposition between two sides. The Syrtos can
be danced in pairs or groups and is an
expression of love and passion for life.

Stereoscopic Love Goddess (2006)

Stereoscope card, digital inkjet prints

One side of this stereoscope card features the Greek goddess
Aphrodite, whose legendary birth occurred on the island of
Cyprus. The other side depicts Artemis of Ephesus, one of
Turkey's most famous fertility figures. When this image is
viewed properly, with the aid of a stereoscope, the images are
merged into a single, three-dimensional goddess of love.