The PoArtMo Anthology Series: Focus on Elena Anufriyeva

Hello everyone!

Welcome to our PoArtMo Anthology Series, which celebrates the artists whose work appears in The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 5.

Today’s guest is Elena Anufriyeva. Elena sent us delightful paintings and in this post, she explains what has inspired her creative journey as a painter.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – I can’t agree more with these timeless words by Saint Augustine.

My inquisitive mind has always been a tapestry woven with threads of curiosity, creativity, and an unspoken longing for something that might be somewhere over there, beyond the beckoning horizon. It was surely the
two things that have become my main inspiration for eventually
expressing myself through painting, and in general for stepping on the
never-ending road that leads to becoming a better version of the own self
– traveling and reading. I am confident that nothing expands one‘s
personal horizons and enriches one’s soul in a more beautiful and
effective way.

From a young age, I found myself drawn to the teachings of the Mount
Athos monks, their wisdom echoing through the corridors of my mind like
a whispered secret from a distant past. Beside the golden nuggets of the holy knowledge, these books often contained depictions of the awe-
inspiring beauty of Greece, the everyday life and cultural traditions of its inhabitants, Greeks’ sparkling humor, hospitality and unquenchable thirst
for life. Still, when years ago I visited the ancient land of gods, I did not
suspect that this trip would change a lot about the way I saw the world
and myself… But the first time I set foot on the Greek soil, it felt as if I had
come home after a lifetime of wandering. As the plane descended
towards the azure sea, I felt a surge of joy course through my veins, as if
I suddenly recognized the place I had never been to but somehow knew
intimately.

Long story short, there was an unexplainable harmony in everything I
saw, heard, felt and absorbed while traveling through Greece. I immediately fell in love (and still keep doing this!) with its breathtaking
views, vibrant colors, gentle sea, unique architecture, kind-hearted
people, deep spirituality, and of course, the ever-present gatoules—cats.
To me, as an ardent cat enthusiast, they are more than just animals—
but kindred spirits and silent but extremely smart companions.

I love to include these cute gracious creatures, the unofficial symbol of
the country’s resilience, independence, and free spirit, into my artworks
in different forms, shapes and sizes. Another important symbol of
Greece, the impressive Eastern Orthodox churches—the places of
worship and repositories of timeless knowledge, which guide the faithful
on their spiritual journeys—are also often present in my paintings.

All in all, discovering Greece first via books and then by traveling and
personally immersing myself in its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, has profoundly shaped my journey as a painter. Once I was told that my
name Elena means “shining light” in the Greek language. It is an immense
joy and a big honor for me to share this light with others, hoping to
inspire and bring a sense of wonder and connection to everyone whose
soul strings are touched by my art.

Bio:

A professional translator and psychologist, and an avid traveler, Elena Anufriyeva has always been fascinated by what is beyond the horizon. Her passion and an endless source of creative inspiration have long been Greece, with its breathtaking views and vibrant colors. A self-taught painter with a strong calling, Elena appreciates the transformative power of art.

Elena has participated in a number of international exhibitions and won prizes. In 2023, she became the Featured Artist of Aedra Fine Arts Gallery (New Jersey, USA). Her painted works adorn the homes of art connoisseurs in Germany, Greece, Switzerland and Canada.

Website: https://lassssie.wixsite.com/gatoulart

Elena, thank you for supporting Auroras & Blossoms! We know that people will love your work as much as we do!