Artist Statement
I respond to photography emotionally and intentionally create pieces that evoke deep feelings at both conscious and subconscious levels.
My photos are captured intuitively, and with every photograph, I aim to learn to see, hear, and feel more. Being in tune with my heart knowledge helps translate my artworks as a spiritual and introspective conduit to facilitate the introduction of the observer to themselves.
I have found that there are very few guiding principles to assist in the infinite complexity of life, more so when one has not had sufficient council, so I embarked on a journey to discover these principles for myself in the hope that others may benefit from them too.
— Kleoniki Vanos
Testimonials
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Recent Work
The Dash
Statement:
The Dash
I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning…to the end. He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears but said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own, the cars…the house…the cash. What matters is how we lived and loved and how we spend our dash. So, think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged. To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before. If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile…remembering that this special dash might only last a little while. So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash? Linda Ellis Description: I was on a Woodstock Graffiti tour in Cape Town with a group of fellow photographers. Having not been to the Woodstock Exchange before, I took a little gander when a storefront window caught my eye. It was closed, so I took the opportunity to shoot to my heart's content. One can get quite self-conscious when photographing something. Have you ever watched a photographer bounce around a subject trying to get the perfect angle? The inspiration for this modern art piece was born right there. I named this One-Off art piece 'The Dash' because the minimalistic line reminds me of a poem by Linda Ellis.
Be Afraid Not To Move
Statement: When we have some setbacks, it is important that we keep moving forward although challenging. The choice is the difference between growth and stagnation.
Description: This figurative art piece was inspired by Franz Kline’s abstract expressionist style as well as Rorschach’s inkblots.
I named this contemporary artwork 'Be Afraid Not To Move' because it speaks to me of energy, and there is a lot of it in this piece. My question to us all is, what would our current movement project be if it could be measured? Would there be a dot, a dash, a leap, summersault, backward flip?
Paradox
Statement: How we interpret and respond to the world around us makes up who we are and contributes to our quality of life.
The proverbial phrase glass half full or half empty is a litmus test we can use to check in with our thoughts and emotions.
Description: During another load shedding outage in Cape Town, and with nothing else to do but sit in the dark on a Thursday night, I decided to go to the beach, camera in hand, to watch the Poi dancers paint with fire. Heading back home after an entertaining night, I knew that what I had captured would form part of my Inkblot Series.
I named this original art print 'Paradox' because the abstract form in the artwork could represent either joy or terror.
Hark Now Hear the Angels Sing
Statement: I am of the opinion that angels play a significant part in our daily lives because not only do they shield us, but they also ensure that we reach the fullness of our destiny and purpose. When you feel overwhelmed by life, keep in mind that help is never far away.
Description: I was on a Woodstock Graffiti tour in Cape Town, with a group of fellow photographers, when I noticed the shadows of leaves dancing on the pavement. That was when the inspiration for this modern art piece was born.
I named this One-Off artwork “Hark Now Hear the Angels Sing” because while editing, I noticed that angels were a recurring theme in every detail of this unique picture. And I do believe in angels.