Maria Cristina Partsanakis
For as long as I can remember, I have always had a passion for making art. I am also an avid believer in the healing power of art. For me, art has always been a constant source of solace throughout my life, in both the process and product. Author Eileen Miller once wrote, "Art can permeate the very deepest parts of us, where no words exist." I cannot put in words all that art has done for me, but one can get a glimpse through my work. Often focusing on figure and portraiture, I enjoy making the people I love the subject because it serves as a physical representation of our lived connection. I’ve also been on a journey of self-introspection, uncovering old wounds and reclaiming them through my art. Much of my current art reflects my own journey with body image. I reclaim my body through portraying “unconventional” figures and proclaiming my body’s purpose to solely just exist as is.
Pappou (from photo), 2021, oil on canvas, 24x36
Pappou (from real-life), 2021, oil on canvas, 24x36
Mood, 2021, oil on plywood, 48x48
Mom and Baba, 2022, clay, 7x7x3
Collection of Memory Bowls, 2022, clay
Through The Fence, 2021, photograph
Through The Fence, 2021, oil on canvas, 11x14
Pink Sneakers, 2021, oil on canvas, 6x6
Ode to Younger Me, 2023, litho print on paper, 11x10
Growing Pains, 2020, acrylic on canvas, 24x36
Living Through Filters, 2020, charcoal and oil pastel, 50x40
Body, 2021, oil on canvas, 14x11
Body Weaving, 2022, thread, 8.5x8.5
As I Am, 2020, charcoal, 72x36
Shake It Out, 2020, mixed media and acrylic, 9.5x11
Growth Marks, 2022, clay, 18x18
Shell Lady, 2022, clay, 24x12
Breast Mound, 2022, clay, 6x15x11
“WHO TAUGHT YOU TO HATE YOUR BODY,” 2023, screenprint on paper, 10x11
“MY BODY DOES NOT EXIST 4 UR CONSUMPTION,” 2023, screenprint on fabric
Maria Cristina Partsanakis
Art Therapy ‘23
Maria is a senior studying art therapy at Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. She grew up in Media, Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Philadelphia. She naturally gravitates towards charcoal, oil paint, and clay due to their freeing, tactile nature. She seeks to share her passion for art with others by uplifting their creative processes and fostering a safe place for authentic self-expression. Maria is the current president of the Therapeutic Art Club at Temple-- an organization where students are welcome to engage in therapeutic art making together. In the future, she plans to continue pursuing an education in art therapy, in addition to teaching art.
-
Instagram: @mariacristina.art