Original - Ellaina Lewis as Cassandra

2023

18" x 24"

Medium: acrylic, watercolor  

The Artist L.Haz has long dreamed of designing for an Opera star. On April 6, 2024, Soprano Ellaina Lewis starred in the world premier of the Opera, Cassandra. The Artist designed a gown and cape featuring the art patterned on Dutchess Satin and placed on the collar, chest plate, and interior. The garment was expertly constructed by the impeccable clothiers at Our Fabric Stash ... and worn by Ellaina Lewis, the mesmerizingly brilliant Operatic voice. 

This is the first intentional concept to stage creation for The Artist L.Haz. Please enjoy the story of the piece below. 

Learn more about Soprano Ellaina Lewis here: https://www.lainalousoprano.com

Learn more about Our Fabric Stash here: https://ourfabricstash.com/

Be sure to check out The Ellaina Lewis Collection born of this artwork available here. 

The Art Story:

Cassandra’s story is rich with the pain of knowing the truth but vocalizing what others perceive to be lies. I created this work as a cloak that would give Cassandra her voice back and strengthen her as she battles to share truth. 

The work is grounded in the color blue because blue is the color of the throat chakra. When in balance this chakra speaks the highest truths. When out of balance, it is powerless.  

Blue ombré is used vertically in this piece to signify the journey of the voice moving from outside of Cassandra into her core.  

At the highest point of this piece, I have placed the vocal cords. The vocal cords are meant to sit at the top of the cape to remind Cassandra to be bold in telling her story, to defeat all fears associated with exercising her voice.  

The work includes my interpretation of decorative elements found in Greek Pottery, specifically water and floral motifs found in ancient Greek vases. 

The waves lined in the middle of the work symbolize the elimination of inner stains, and the warding off of malevolent forces. Waves in this way are a protective element as seen in many cultures in Africa.  

At the bottom middle of the piece, you may see the face of the praying mantis. The mantis arrived as a warning sign to those who may seek to have unwanted physical contact with Cassandra knowing her story would not be believed. In such cases, regardless of the magnitude of contact, something as simple as an unwanted shoulder bump could result in the assailant being killed and devoured. In this way, Cassandra is not helpless, instead she protects herself by wielding the ultimate power over life and death.