The Siren

Sirens in Greek mythology, the were dangerous and devious creatures, portrayed as femmes fatales who lured nearby sailors with their enchanting music and voices to shipwreck on the rocky coast of their island. Roman poets placed them on some small islands called Sirenum scopuli. In some later, rationalized traditions, the literal geography of the "flowery" island of Anthemoessa, or Anthemusa, is fixed: sometimes on Cape Pelorum and at others in the islands known as the Sirenuse, near Paestum, or in Capreae. All such locations were surrounded by cliffs and rocks.

"Oil paint and graphite on hand-cut wood are my primary mediums, and I also occasionally work with colored pencils.

My paintings explore various constructs of identity through the depiction of individual histories, memories, and experiences. As a woman, I strive to render the remarkable balance of effortless beauty and vibrant strength that exists within the female form. I place individuals, generally women, against bold and dramatic landscapes, in which natural elements such as water and sunlight color the dynamic between the individual and the external world. Pop culture imagery also plays a crucial role in my work, creating a grounded sense of the everyday amidst often unusual milieus.

Medium and process play an integral role in the construction of meaning within my work. I use hand-cut wood as my canvas as the grain allows me to incorporate natural abstractions and a sense of free-flowing movement into my otherwise realistic work to create an interesting duality. It also frees me from the boundaries of 90 degree angles that traditional canvases impose, allowing me to shape each canvas to reflect the themes present in the work. Every painting begins as a pencil drawing, and the use of graphite on wood allows me to refine my subjects without sacrificing their raw and edgy aspects. I am attracted to oil paint due to its viscosity, its maneuverability, and the unsurpassed richness of color it provides. Through the use of oil paints, I am able to create a lush and abundant palette that enhances the atmospheric elements of my work.

In all my work, a sense of fearless curiosity prevails, seeking to unlock new perspectives and ways of seeing the world." ~Zofia Bogusz