Leia Davliakos

Year of birth: 2003.
Where do you live: Pennsylvania, United States.
Your education: Classical oil painting in Paros, Greece and Architecture School in the United States.
Describe your art in three words: Timeless, Texture, Vibrance.
Your discipline: The intersection of traditional techniques, particularly Byzantine Encaustic Wax Painting and oils, with classical elements of Hellenic culture.
Website | Instagram

Your work embodies a dialogue between color and Hellenic memoir. How do your Greek roots influence your choice of subjects and color palette?

My Greek heritage is the foundation of my artistic vision, deeply influencing my choice of subjects and their complementing color palettes. I often reflect on moments spent on the cliffs at sunset in the land of my ancestors, where I would breathe in inspiration through the crashing of the waves and the stillness of the rocks. In those moments, I envisioned how a brush might move parallel with the rhythm of the sea, trying to translate the natural world’s motions into a painting. To me, the natural world is evidence of profound artistry. These experiences, rooted in my ancestors’ stories, shape my work. Their lives, choices, and beliefs molded the artistic soul I have inherited, and I honor their legacy by exploring themes reminiscent of their journeys. My palette draws from the deep blues and earthy tones of the Aegean and the golden warmth of Mediterranean light.

Byzantine Encaustic Wax Painting is an ancient and challenging technique. What drew you to this medium, and how has it shaped your artistic expression?

I was drawn to this medium because of its ability to express both texture and depth in a way that no other technique can. Melting beeswax and pigment to create layers of rich, malleable, and textured surfaces allows me to bind color and texture. As I work, I envision the movement of my brush alongside the rhythms of nature, the crashing waves, and the stillness of the rocks along the shoreline. This technique shapes my artistic expression by encouraging me to slow down and become deeply immersed in the process—creating works that are not just seen but felt, like the surfaces of ancient icons. It is through this ancient medium that I am able to create a dialogue between history, memory, and personal reflection.

Your mentor, Gerontissa Theophano, plays a significant role in your creative journey. Can you tell us more about how her guidance has influenced your work?

Under her guidance, I was able to learn the Encaustic Wax process and its Byzantine origins. Her guidance in working with this medium has been invaluable. She taught me how to approach my work with patience and humility, emphasizing the importance of the creative process. Under her mentorship, I learned how to express the essence of my heritage while maintaining a deep sense of reverence for the traditions that have shaped me. Her teachings inspire me to create works that reflect my personal journey and the legacy of those who have come before me.

You travel to Paros, Greece, for inspiration and painting. How does the environment and culture of Paros shape your creative process?

Jane Morris Pack, my artistic mentor on the island, has been instrumental in both challenging and revitalizing my work. Through her guidance, I have learned to see my entire life and my art through a new lens. She encouraged me to step beyond the familiar into a space where I am a stranger to my own comfort zone. It is in this unfamiliar territory that I’ve found the purest way to discover myself. Her approach to earth-toned palettes, observing the world with intent, and classical oil painting technique has allowed me to shape my identity, guiding my creative journey and giving breath and life to tradition.

Joaquin Sorolla is known for his masterful use of light and color. How do you incorporate his influence into your work while still retaining your own unique style?

I incorporate his influence by studying how he used light to evoke emotion and bring life to his compositions. In my work, I try to create a similar sense of luminosity and vibrancy but anchored in my heritage. I love the organic warmth created as light dances on surfaces and water, and I aim to channel this depth and dimension in the dialogue of my own work.

How do you balance the classical elements in your art with more contemporary approaches?

I see this balance as a dialogue, one that honors the legacy of the classical while embracing the freedom and experimentation of the contemporary. Classical elements ground my art in the heritage and spiritual ideas that inspire me. The way I layer materials and interpret stories allows me to bridge two worlds, creating pieces that feel both rooted in tradition yet relevant.

What are some of the key themes or emotions you hope viewers experience when interacting with your art?

My art is a Hellenic memoir, a journey through color and texture that bridges the echoes of my ancestors with classical mediums. When viewers engage with my art, I hope they experience a sense of connection to the past, to memory, and to the natural world. In addition to this, I hope they find an appreciation for the beauty in both the seen and the unseen.