Echo and Narcissus by Karen Chappelow

Artist Statement

“Echo a wood nymph was a storyteller who always had the last word. Her stories were legendary and caught the eye of Hera, Zeus’ long suffering wife. Upon discovering that Echo was on Zeus payroll to occupy his wife so he could philander- she flew in a fit of rage and rendered Echo speechless only able to repeat the words she heard.

Narcissus’ beauty was legendary and with it his conceit, with no one being good enough to match his beauty. Echo was in love with him, stalking him in the forest. He was horrified by her and ran away stating he would rather die than lay with her.

Echo withered away and all that remained was her voice on the forest floor. Narcissus while bending over for a drink in the lake seeing his reflection fell instantly in love, with his reflection. He had finally met his match. Laying by the stream lovestruck he too pined away and became one with the forest.

His last words being. Oh youth beloved in vain, farewell. Echo replies farewell. A flower grew where once his body laid, a slim elegant flower with a blood red heart bent over staring at its own reflection in waters.”

About the Artist

“I like it when I get a physical reaction from people when they view my art.  The whimsy, fun and sometimes political nature of life is evident in my work.  By expressing the fierceness of a female, the ridiculous in a scenario, becomes a message turned into humour softening the blow, breaking down barriers.  The expressionist nature of my work tries to blur the edges of reality and hopefully makes people smile, wonder, think and create conversation.”

Karen Chappelow has been sculpting and painting for more than 20 years, she has a drive for bucking the system and invites the viewer to view life through a different lens. Karen has collectors both Nationally and Internationally.

In recent times Karen has been extensively exhibiting in New York, Madrid, Luxembourg, Berlin, Rome and Malmo-Sweden. Also exhibiting in group shows in Perth and Melbourne. Karen’s work has appeared on the “The Block” a TV renovation show on Channel 9.

Karen will also be appearing in Home Design Magazine August 2023 edition.

Follow Instagram and Facebook @karenchappelow_artist for new work.