Hestia
Ciena B.
Watercolor, acrylic paint
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One particular subject who has always stood out to me in Greek Mythoology is Hestia, the goddess of home, hearth, and hospitality and the eldest daughter of Cronus and Rhea. She’s known for having a strong presence amongst humans as the protector of the political community and the hearth, a central space in Ancient Greek homes. One of her most acclaimed moments is when she gave up her seat as an Olympian and retreated to the hearth. She’s not often mentioned in the myths, which intrigued and inspired me to create this piece. I wanted to draw specific attention to her innermost feelings, especially in regards to sacrificing so much of herself in order to please the beings around her. As a fellow eldest daughter, I feel like I can understand her sacrificial nature, and how it can invoke feelings of not providing enough for yourself in exchange for giving up so much for others. This piece encapsulates everything Hestia represents from my perspective. Although Hestia was content at the hearth, were there ever moments where she wavered? Had self doubts? Questioned why she put so much of herself into filling Olympus with warmth only to receive nary a glance from the other gods? I took these assumed questions and painted them in the darkness around her face and around her figure. Even the brightest of souls have moments where their darkest, doubting thoughts come to the surface, and I sought to capture that in this painting.
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Creativity means being able to unleash my innermost thoughts through the application of mediums on paper. When I create art, I like to think of it as a callback to my life journey thus far and all of the wonderful people who made me the artist I am today.
