Русалка (Rusalka) by Daria Aksenova

Title:	Русалка (Rusalka)
Date Created:	2019
Copyright:	© Daria Aksenova
Genre:	Fantasy
Mediums:	Pen, Ink, Sculpture
Views:	335
Posted:	12/3/2019

Projects: I am a self-taught illustrator & paper sculptor currently based in Houston, TX. I strive to continuously further my education. I am a current member of The International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists (IAPMA) and Paper Artist Collective (PAC). I have kept up a daily studio practice since 2016 and worked on a variety of projects aside from running my own business, including public large-scale artwork installation, solo exhibitions, merchandise development, production, tradeshow exhibitions, and textile design. I currently show at galleries across the United States, including Haven Gallery (NY), Modern Eden (CA). I have presented my work in multiple international publications, magazines (ImagineFX, Beautiful Bizarre, Create!, & Pikchur), and art books (Infected by Art Volume 6, 7, 8 & 9). My work has been nominated for the 2019, 2020 & 2021 Chesley Awards in the "Best Three-Dimensional Art" and "Best Monochrome: Unpublished" category by the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists (ASFA). IX has been a staple event in my schedule for the last three years, and I would relish the opportunity to return and present a new body of work in 2022.

Location: Houston, TX

6.125" x 6.125" x 2.5� (Framed to 8"x 8" x 3.75�) Pen and Ink on hand cut, suspended, layered paper (Shadowbox Paper Sculpture). In Slavic folklore, Rusalka is a female spirit often associated with bodies of fresh water. In spring they are known to leave the lakes to bring moisture to the fields and help nurture the crops. Rusalka frequently resembles the concept of a traditional mermaid but instead of a tail possesses human legs. My take on this theme is a female entity playfully swimming with carps beneath leaves and flowers of water lilies.