Meet Athena

Greeting

Welcome to the exciting & diverse website of award winning artist Athena I. Revelas! This unique collection of work is part of the creative and educational pursuit of Artistic Touch, Athena's creative art studio.  Her artwork is the product of dedication, hard work and talent.  With unsurpassed vision and creativity, Athena offers quality artwork and classes for all to appreciate and enjoy.

Artist Statement

I have been an artist for as long as I can remember.  I truly feel that I was born with my artistic energy and that learning and being open to trying new techniques and ideas throughout my life has cultivated and enriched my talents.  I love to draw, paint and build with clay.  I am currently concentrating on improving my fine art photography.  My favorite media to work with is oils or oil pastels.  While trying to capture my visions with bold color and subtle blending I find the rich, vibrant oil colors exciting to work with.  One of my main goals is to create more than a picture for viewers to enjoy.  Whether it is a memory, a thought or a moment in time, I want to give the viewer a visual experience that leads to further curiosity and thought about the subject matter I have chosen to illustrate. My paintings mainly come from personal memories, photographs , or of places and people I found to be inspirational. The distinct style of my work is vividly painted strokes with a colorful palette and deep contrasts.                        

I try to create paintings or photographs that reflect the influence of my own inspirational perspective in a representational and expressive technique bringing a colorful active excitement to the viewer. I believe that my cumulative educational experience as a student and as an educator along with my extensive travel has helped me to find the necessary inspiration to become the successful artist I am today.  As I work my way through the challenges of finishing a piece I find that my mind, body and spirit work together to achieve each step in the process.  I feel that a part of me flows into every piece of artwork I create, therefore; I believe DaVinci’s words in the following quote to be true in many ways, “Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art.” With this in mind I strive to improve my abilities as an active creator of art, as well as, the quality and impact of my art lessons.  The satisfaction and enjoyment that comes from finishing a piece of artwork is an intrinsic motivator that inspires me to continue my development and growth while defining myself as an artist and educator.

Biography 

Athena I. Revelas was born and raised in New York and began drawing and painting as far back as she can remember.  Upon graduating from Brockport College located in upstate New York Athena moved back to her hometown of Albion, New York near the shores of Lake Ontario where she is raising her family and managing a thriving career as an Art Educator in the Albion Central School District, as well as, maintaining, Artistic Touch, her creative art studio.

For over sixteen years Athena has been an experienced art educator and successful freelanced artist.  She is comfortable teaching and working with a variety of mediums and is committed to creating the very best artistic pieces.  Her extensive education and travel has been the basis of inspiration and personal gratification concerning her artwork.  She has the unique ability to extract potential from the beauty found in everyday life, as well as the techniques from the historical masters.  While creating is her passionate endeavor, she is also a respected teacher and juror for New York State student art competitions.  Athena's artwork has been featured in numerous shows and exhibitions from the east to the west coast.

It is Athena's belief that student/client communication and respect builds a trusting foundation that leads to product satisfaction.  Athena is devoted to producing artwork that enhances personal taste and style.  From pottery to painting, Athena keeps her students and clients smiling with aesthetic pleasure.   [full biography]
 
Philosophy

The ultimate challenge for American education is to place all students on pathways toward success in their academic careers and in life.  Our country is facing a transition.  Now, more than ever, we are a diverse society facing the daunting demands of global, social and technological innovation.  Since the economy is changing from being manufacturing driven to a services-driven enterprise, young people will need an education that develops imaginative, flexible and sound-minded thinking.  Therefore, art education is a powerful tool that can foster growth and self-awareness.  Engaging young people’s minds with quality art programs will help them to better begin lifelong journeys of development and give them capabilities to contribute to the world around them successfully.  [full philosophy]

Shows & Media

Exhibitions are an interesting experience for me. My boldly painted canvases are very compelling and I like to witness firsthand the audience viewing with intense interest and curiosity about the subject matter.  I also enjoy the feedback and facial expressions of viewers while contemplating my unique and expressive photography.

Dec. 2008- Manhattan Arts International, Celebrate The Healing Power of Art Exhibition- NY, NY

Nov. 2008 - Plates to Pixels, International Juried Exhibition-Portland, OR

Oct. 2008 - Swan Library Annual Art Exhibit- Albion, NY

Nov.2005, 2006, 2007 - Treasure Island Show & Auction-Medina, NY

May 2006- Faculty Show & Exhibit-Rochester, NY

Nov. 2004 - The Wonders of Winter Show-Batavia, NY        

Jul. 2004 -  Latest & Greatest Artwork Sale,-Albion, NY

Jun. 2004 - Press & Media Interview of Artist  [read article]

Apr. 2004 - Photographic Impressions-Ft. Myers, FL

Feb. 2004 - Tropical Photography-Bahamas

Feb. 2004 - The Pasadena Art Expo, Civic Center- Pasadena, CAL  [more: shows/collections}