Demeter in Greek Mythology is the mother of Persephone, and the goddess of spring. As the legend goes, Demeter and her daughter Persephone--whose father was Zeus-- used to seed the land with eternal spring, and the two were happily hidden from any other meddling gods. Having seen her daughter's beauty, however, Hades made it his mission to have her as wife. Zeus granted his wish, and one day the earth split in two; Hades grabbed the unsuspecting Persephone; and returned to the underworld. Demeter was so distraught that she scoured the earch searching for her daughter, fully occupying herself with the task, and refusing to seed the earth in her sadness. Eventually Zeus intervened, as people were starving, and made Hades give Persephone back. However, Hades tricked her into eating three pomegranite seeds--and having eaten of the food of the underworld, Persephone was forced to live with Hades three months out of the year. Winter is the time when Demeter mourns her missing daughter, unable to bless the land.
In this painting I wished to portray Demeter as half hidden, half present. I've always been very moved by the myth, and the painting pays a sort of tribute to the multi-faceted goddess.
In this painting I wished to portray Demeter as half hidden, half present. I've always been very moved by the myth, and the painting pays a sort of tribute to the multi-faceted goddess.
Demeter, 2018. 38 x 28 Framed. Ink, Pure Pigment on Paper Board