‘The Art of Storytelling’

Featured on the cover of The Pen Woman, Summer 2024 (scratchboard, 20 x 14)

By Evangelia Philippidis, Central Ohio Branch

Since the time of Homer, the Greeks have been master storytellers. They created images in the listener’s mind and depicted them on classical pottery. In the best tradition of my ancestors, I am a storyteller as well. My stories, however, are not only about mythical heroes and Olympian gods; they also depict modern man.

As an editorial features illustrator for The Columbus Dispatch, I spent 22 years presenting visual stories of humanity and hubris, technology and spirituality, passion, and pathos. As an avid reader of history, poetry, and classical works of fiction and nonfiction, I find much inspiration in the written word. Through images that reflect both my Greek heritage and modern influences, I strive to bring visual life to the written word and draw the viewer into the story — to be moved, to be amused or provoked, or simply to stop and reflect.

My work celebrates two passions, nature and dynamic women. For the Ancient Greeks, nature and mankind were intricately bound. Many of their myths stress the need for humans to treat nature with respect and humility.

Born and raised in the shadow of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, I follow the ancient traditions of my ancestors. In nature’s simplicity I find order, whimsy, joy, and an assurance of life’s continuance in the never-ending cycles of day and night, season to season, and the steady ebb and flow of life and death from year to year.

I was raised among powerful women who endured war and loss of country, home, husbands, and children. Women who fought against injustice and held their families together through two world wars, civil war, and famine, yet through their sorrows and tribulations they maintained strength of spirit and an attitude that they would overcome and persevere. These women have inspired me to give a visual voice to female spirits long silenced in history and in modern times.

About the Artist

In a career that spans over 40 years, Evangelia Philippidis has been an award-winning editorial illustrator working with major national newspapers, as well as a book cover illustrator for Yale University Press, Penguin Classics, and other international publishing houses. She has been an educator at the Columbus College of Art and Design and a nationally recognized fine artist. Philippidis won first place in the Biennial Art Competition for “This Little Neighborhood.” Learn more at theartofevangelia.net.