Azure Dragon of the East by Daria Aksenova

Title:	Azure Dragon of the East
Date Created:	2019
Copyright:	© Daria Aksenova
Genre:	Fantasy
Mediums:	Pen, Ink, Sculpture
Views:	443
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has been nominated for the 2019, 2020 & 2021 Chesley Awards in the "Best Three-Dimensional Art" and "Best Monochrome: Unpublished" category by the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists (ASFA).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

14.25" x 14.25" x 2.5� (Framed to 16"x 16" x 3.75�) Pen and Ink on hand cut, suspended, layered paper (Shadowbox Paper Sculpture). Chinese Mythology regards the Dragon as a fearsome and mighty creature, as the noblest of animals they are said to be just and benevolent. The Azure Dragon is considered the creature of the East and as such also corresponds to the spring season. This piece depicts the personification of Spring, embracing a bouquet of Camellias. The flowers gently fall out of her grasp as she caresses the claw of her guardian who is offering her the stars.