Ellaina Lewis Opera

This piece of piece was painted with the intention of turning it into a print, which could then be made into an opera gown for the debut of the opera Cassandra. The gown, also pictured, was worn by the unimaginably talented Soprano, Ellaina Lewis. 

Here is the story behind the gown as it relates to the original piece, and the opera gown. 

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 was 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, the assailant would be killed and devoured. In this way, Cassandra is not helpless, instead she protects herself by wielding the ultimate power over life and death.