Elena Parashko is an artist, teacher and writer from Sydney, Australia. With painting being her passion since childhood, she now works as a full time professional artist. In 2006 Elena was a finalist in Sydney Business Review’s “Business Woman of the Year”. Elena has exhibited her paintings in galleries in Sydney and Melbourne and was a finalist in the 2006 and 2007 National Maritime Art Prize in Australia. She has received a number of corporate and government commissions with her artwork held in private and corporate collections throughout the world. Elena’s artwork has been featured in Australian Artist magazine, Artist’s Palette magazine, Australian Decorative Painting magazine, Honestly Woman magazine and My Home magazine. She is in the second year of writing a monthly series on learning to draw for Australian Decorative Painting magazine.
As well as developing her own artistic practice, Elena is a trained teacher with a Bachelor of Education and Masters in Adult Education who enjoys teaching art to children and adults. She also acts as an art therapist to a group of intellectually and physically disabled adults. She sees her challenge as to inspire others, no matter their circumstances, through sharing her passion for artistic creation – the process as well as the product. “Through my artwork I feel I have a responsibility to contribute to the constructive good in the world. This is achieved through the pleasure that clients receive from a work of art that touches their heart, imagination or a significant experience in their lives. What I believe in is creating works that speak to me as an artist as well as to the viewer; something that gives joy and relief in a world looking for an escape from the grim realities of life. I believe it is important to draw attention to the beauty around us that often otherwise goes unnoticed in the busyness of our lives.”
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
FRAMING ARTWORK BEHIND GLASS
By Elena Parashko
Any artwork that is on paper, such as a watercolour, etching or print, needs to be framed behind glass to protect it from moisture and dust. An acid-free matt board in a complementary colour can be inserted inside the frame to border and enhance the artwork. This will also ensure there is a gap between the paper and glass for airflow and to prevent the artwork from sticking to the glass. An acid free foam core backing board is recommended, for if a wood based board like MDF is used, the acid content from the wood will eventually leach into the paper of the artwork and cause discolouration.
The following situations should be avoided for artwork on paper:
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hanging opposite windows due to reflection of light on regular glass. However, non-reflective glass is available to eliminate these annoying reflections.
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positioning artwork in direct sunlight as fading may occur over time.
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hanging artwork on walls that are actually exterior sides of the house as these are more susceptible to temperature changes and dampness that may damage the artwork.
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AFRICAN ART
