DESIGNS

MEMORIALS

*Notes on Medusa:

2006 marked the special occasion of a trip to Greece, thanks to the generous invitation of some fabulous patrons to join them on their family vacation. The art and architecture of ancient Greece are beautiful, haunting, and inspiring in a way that reaffirms the social impact and importance of art and society today.

The myths which were such an integral part of Greek culture are still told with fresh breath and relish. We were fortunate on this trip  to have the guidance of a brilliant and knowledgeable storyteller, Ruli Deliyanni. 

One version of the story of Medusa in Greek myth goes as follows: 

Medusa was one of the three Gorgons.  She was the only one subject to mortality. She was celebrated for her charming personality and fabulous big hair. Poseidon (Greek) Neptune (Roman), god of the water, became enamored with her and seduced her in Athena's temple (Minerva- Roman). Athena was enraged at the violation of the sanctity of her Temple and changed Medusa's beautiful curly locks to serpents. She has become a symbol of ambiguity; beauty and horror. Perseus became an immortal hero because he cut off her head and the drops of blood from her head were told to have become the snakes in Africa. 

The artist's interpretation  is, how tragic (!) :  Medusa was seduced and punished for eternity while Poseidon kept his god reputation intact.  Athena, dear sister, where is the justice? A good story can be spun many times, many ways, and art gives us the freedom to spin our own.

These are dedicated to Medusa and her Gargon sisters.