Embracing the Greek

ARTIST
Terri Mort

SENIOR OR ELDER
Francia Panopolis

ARTFORM
Visual Arts — Acrylic Painting, 24″ x 30″

ABOUT THE ARTWORK
FINDING FRANCIA’S STORY
I created this piece after several conversations with ninety-four-year-old Francia Panopolis with the help of facilitator, Krysta Villenueve. Francia, a French-Canadian, grew up in Montreal and moved to Fort McMurray twenty years ago. Pockets of our conversations went back to her relationship with her husband, Alexander. Alexander’s Greek family owned a chain of restaurants. Francia would play Greek music on the piano along with travelling to Greece several times and learning the language.

PAINTING THE BRIDE
Inspired by her wedding photo, in the painting I have aimed to capture the spirit of Francia as a bride. The many colours represent the richness of her life and embracing of Greek heritage It made me realize that when a person embraces the life of another, they will often take on the traditions of their spouse; through food, family, language, and culture. My painting is an illustrative style. I love pop art and vivid hues, so used typical print making colours; magenta, cyan, yellow and turquoise with a fusion of blue found in Greek architecture and Mediterranean seascapes.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
I grew up in South Wales, United Kingdom, moving to Canada when I was in grade twelve. I studied Graphic and Environmental Design at Grant MacEwan College and graduated in Fine Arts and Education from the University of Lethbridge. I like painting landscapes and portraits, primarily working in watercolour, ink and acrylic. I’m a high school Art and Drama teacher, who enjoys mask making, being an actor and director. When not on stage or in the art room, I can be found relaxing at home with partner Ben, skiing and cycling the Fort McMurray trails or travelling abroad.
– Terri Mort