artwork

Wikipedia describes Medusa as: ...one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human females with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed into her eyes would turn to stone. I can't remember specifically when I first encountered the myth of Medusa, but the earliest I can remember is seeing her in the movie Clash of the Titans. My mom loved that movie. When I was young, whenever it showed on television we would watch it together. The thought of a character who was so beautiful that people found it impossible not to look at her, yet who was so deadly that her gaze petrified you, turning you to into a stone statue always fascinated me. I had so many ideas before I started painting her. Originally, her eyes were going to be white to represent the moment before you lose your life. Then I thought about painting them with a metallic, mirror like finish so you would see your reflection in her eyes, but I eventually chose a stronger, more intentional gaze, giving the viewer that feeling like she is peering into your soul.