Theodora Harasymiw

I share my name with a Byzantine Empress who ruled from Constantinople. The only existing image of her is a mosaic found in a church in Ravenna, Italy. After doing a number of paintings based on this mosaic, I discovered how much I wanted to pursue this style further. The bold color and strong line of mosaics is very invigorating. Utilizing the female form I am able to balance the complex mosaic styles with detailed backgrounds.

Creating on canvas with acrylic medium allows me to explore the bold, bright, and intense palette I prefer. Since acrylic dries quickly it allows me to paint most of the image in one sitting. Being that acrylic is also quite a flat medium it caters to the flatness of a mosaic-like image.

I graduated in 1996 from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts. Since 1997 I have been working with the Edmonton School Systems as an Artist-in-Residence teaching various art forms to the students. This program has given me the opportunity to develop as a teacher, muralist, and painter. My career as an artist is punctuated with frequent travels abroad which nurture and guide my work. In my opinion experiencing other cultures and seeing their various approaches to art is the richest form of inspiration.