Toula Parthenis

[she/her]

Bed, BFA in Visual Studies & Secondary Fine Arts, 4th year

I have always found art to be an integral part of my life. Growing up, and now pursuing a BFA in Visual Studies and a BEd in secondary fine arts, I embrace my passion and continue to explore various mediums. As art has followed me throughout different times in my life, I have found great connections in the community and exploration that comes along with the process. The limitless ways that art helps us express our ideas fascinates me and inspires my curiosity to engage with creating in new ways. I have found that through art I have grown a further sense of identity within myself. Finding self expression through ways that words cannot carry through, the act of creating opens so many opportunities. I have learned to embrace challenges, and the imperfections and view the importance of growth. Through my practice, I hope to continue to allow my mistakes to guide me, and to continue to have fun with the process, rather than getting caught up with the end results. For me, the greatest part about making art is getting to do so alongside others. In the world that we live in today, building community and creating safe and inclusive spaces are ever more important. As I continue to create art, I look forward to finding inspiration in the simple moments life brings.

Eye Spy, 2025, Stone Lithography, 16” x 20”

Eye Spy develops themes of the body relating to sight, and carries through an aspect that is often overlooked. While our eyes are a small part of our physical form, they are the primary lens through which we visualize our world, yet this experience is far from universal. My own vision is dominated by my left eye, while the right remains blurred and disengaged.

Although they appear identical from the outside, the internal disconnect is profound. By isolating each eye into a separate box, I aim to externalize the disconnect. The two panels invite the viewer to look beyond the surface level, where the entanglement of the optic nerve signifies the distortion and clarity lost in the layers. I invite the viewer to search through the layers, and to discover the eyes looking towards each other. There is an intriguing aspect in wanting to find something, wanting to know what you are supposed to see, and wanting to know what could be here.