Original oil painting of Zephyrus, greek goddess of the west wind (usually shown as a greek god), with colourful wings, two horses and tattoos which tell her story. By myth artist Karina Tarin.
Colourful wing and tattoo detail from an oil painting of Zephyrus, greek goddess of the west wind (usually shown here as a greek god). By narrative artist Karina Tarin
Zephyrus greek goddess oil painting face detail by imaginative realism artist Karina Tarin
Colourful wing detail from an oil painting of Zephyrus, greek goddess of the west wind (usually shown here as a greek god). By narrative artist Karina Tarin
Strange creatures tattoo detail from an oil painting of Zephyrus, greek goddess of the west wind (usually shown here as a greek god). By narrative artist Karina Tarin
Two horses detail from an oil painting of Zephyrus, greek goddess of the west wind (usually shown here as a greek god). By storytelling artist Karina Tarin
Original oil painting of Zephyrus, greek goddess of the west wind (usually shown as a greek god), with colourful wings, two horses and tattoos which tell her story. By myth artist Karina Tarin.
Colourful wing and tattoo detail from an oil painting of Zephyrus, greek goddess of the west wind (usually shown here as a greek god). By narrative artist Karina Tarin
Zephyrus greek goddess oil painting face detail by imaginative realism artist Karina Tarin
Colourful wing detail from an oil painting of Zephyrus, greek goddess of the west wind (usually shown here as a greek god). By narrative artist Karina Tarin
Strange creatures tattoo detail from an oil painting of Zephyrus, greek goddess of the west wind (usually shown here as a greek god). By narrative artist Karina Tarin
Two horses detail from an oil painting of Zephyrus, greek goddess of the west wind (usually shown here as a greek god). By storytelling artist Karina Tarin

Zephyrus: Goddess of the West Wind

£2,000.00

Original oil painting on cradled board
Painted area: 61 × 61cm

My narrative paintings reflect my enduring interest in the power of stories; how they can at once explain our experience of the world, and actively re-shape our personal and collective narratives.

‘Zephyrus’ is the first in a series paintings depicting the four winds, inspired by Greek myth. Traditionally shown as winged gods or winged horses, I have re-birthed them as goddesses, fully embracing the storyteller’s prerogative to re-frame a tale, offering an alternative narrative.

Zephyrus is the most gentle and favourable of the winds; bringer of spring breezes, growth and procreation. I have borrowed elements from Greek mythology, turning them into visual symbols to tell her tale on and around her body (as is so often the case for us mortal women). Depicted with wings, in keeping with tradition, she is accompanied by her immortal horse offspring, Xanthus and Balius (or Xanthos and Balios). Her ‘tattoos’ tell of leafy spring growth, west winds, and ‘swift tigers’ (also her progeny, says Oppian), while the gold acanthus leaf on her breast symbolises immortality.

Ever fuelled by historical art, I have drawn inspiration from Fra Angelico’s angels for Zephyrus’ colourful wings, while her ‘tattoos’ are inspired by the storytelling illuminations in of the Book of Kells.

Original oil painting on cradled board
Painted area: 61 × 61cm

My narrative paintings reflect my enduring interest in the power of stories; how they can at once explain our experience of the world, and actively re-shape our personal and collective narratives.

‘Zephyrus’ is the first in a series paintings depicting the four winds, inspired by Greek myth. Traditionally shown as winged gods or winged horses, I have re-birthed them as goddesses, fully embracing the storyteller’s prerogative to re-frame a tale, offering an alternative narrative.

Zephyrus is the most gentle and favourable of the winds; bringer of spring breezes, growth and procreation. I have borrowed elements from Greek mythology, turning them into visual symbols to tell her tale on and around her body (as is so often the case for us mortal women). Depicted with wings, in keeping with tradition, she is accompanied by her immortal horse offspring, Xanthus and Balius (or Xanthos and Balios). Her ‘tattoos’ tell of leafy spring growth, west winds, and ‘swift tigers’ (also her progeny, says Oppian), while the gold acanthus leaf on her breast symbolises immortality.

Ever fuelled by historical art, I have drawn inspiration from Fra Angelico’s angels for Zephyrus’ colourful wings, while her ‘tattoos’ are inspired by the storytelling illuminations in of the Book of Kells.