Ode To Phoenix III

This week I present to you a very special artist who speaks more to my soul than even to my heart and eyes. I first came across @kaliopy in the #sundaybluesedit tag where her dark images left me speechless. She is most often moving from darkness into light and examining the depths of a mysterious dream place. We stare deep into her eyes, as well as through her eyes, where even in the darkest corners we will find light. To top of her already amazing talent, she has a unique sparkle that glitters down on you with every comment she leaves and any interaction she shares.  This weeks image is quintessential @kaliopy, within it’s very darkest darkness you will find reverberating light from which you cannot look away.

Kaily: ‘Ode to a Phoenix III’ is the protagonist within this operatic tale… with its smoky symbolism of rebirth, immortality and renewal, to a score of symphonic arias of course! If this transition is to happen, it must be epic and spectacular! (put on your 3D glasses, this may be a bumpy ride, cue in the harp solo and throw in some bass!)

I like a story or two – and my love for photography stems from my love of epic tales that continue beyond their frame. I have worked within television production both behind the scenes and in front of the camera as well as stage… and well, four years ago a significant turning point changed the trajectory of my career and outlook. I was struck with bi-facial palsy; bells palsy in stereo… temporary paralysis of the facial nerves, it was the case of the 7th cranial nerve! Yes, the nerve of that!! Basically I looked like a walking decm8 app! (she grins) This kind of hindered my acting career at the time… and thus my confidence spiraled down… the art of hibernation became the easiest alternative to cure my ailment.  Alas, during this time my Grandmother, my muse, had also passed away… so basically, I felt that creatively, I had no stories to tell… Fortunately, I was reminded by a friend that with every Greek tragedy (serendipitously I am of Greek heritage) there is always the role of a heroine. So, instead of remaining in splendid isolation, I chose to trust, see and listen to the characters in front of me who were waiting patiently to have their story told. When I heard about Instagram, I decided to begin firstly by exploring self portraits and using this ‘canvas’ to create narratives. Please note, indeed, I have recovered. I can wink and smile again with a hint of fabulous asymmetry. There are days of woe begones-ville, yet it wouldn’t be a Greek drama if there weren’t.

Amidst the interludes, I came across the #sundaybluesedit created by the High Priestess of Wonder Azzure, Rebecca. I love the platform to showcase the many facets of blue-isms in all its shades of highs and lows.

Through the accessibility of mobile photography, chasing the light seemed the greatest outlet (albeit, mostly whilst in transit and caught in traffic) and I am once again curious by the day-to-day happenings and the monologues taking place within the busy streets of Sydney. So with viewfinder ready, I await for the shadows emerging towards the light and occasionally tango with the endless possibilities within the frame… at times pleasantly surprised with it’s twist and turns, engaged with the tension in the unspoken dialogue, distracted by the chaos, clarity and blur, yet I aim to provide a spotlight as I listen to their tale.

“When the characters are really alive before their author, the latter does nothing but follow them in their action, in their words, in the situations which they suggest to him.”
Luigi Pirandello (Author, Playwright)

I encourage you to find Kaily on:

Instagram: @kaliopy

Iphoneart:  Kaliopy

About Author

Rebecca Cornwell

Latest stories

• Abraham CAugust 26, 2015i carry your heart: Ephemeral Summer with the Grryo Contributors
• StoriesFebruary 10, 2015The Gray Zone
• Featured ArticlesFebruary 2, 2015Storytellers Circle Vol.2
• StoriesJanuary 26, 2015Storytellers Circle