Jeff Murray is an artist applying his great talent expressing his great love, which is no other than Greek Mythology! We saw and admired his works -some of them could decorate the walls of the museums near historic monuments, or, ofcourse, they can offer to you’re your living room a unique sense of our mythical cultural heritage!
Hellenic Daily News had an interesting discussion with the talented artist, who is based in UK. «This inspires me most about the ancient Greeks, they're creativity and vivid imagination!» he tells us, as he tries to mimic them with his work!
HDN: What is your profession exactly? How would you present yourself to the greek audience?
Jeff Murray: I am a full time artist that creates works inspired by travel, geography, culture, nature, architecture and history.
-Please describe the initial reasons why you became a fan of ancient greek mythology.
For many years I have loved Greek Mythology, learning about it at school captured my curiosity. In recent years I have brought this fascination into my art by creating pieces inspired by mythological subjects, and Greek Mythology has been one of my most desired subjects to work on. But it required a lot of planning and research over many years, hence why I have just finished the piece now.
-Which aspects of greek mythology do you admire the most and which of them influence your work? How?
I love the stories told within mythology about the gods and heroes and their adventures, which I knew would be fun to draw tihin the piece I have created. However, I mostly admire the fact that mythology was used as a way of explaining the world around the ancient greeks. In a way, an early form of science. This inspires me most about the ancient Greeks, they're creativity and vivid imagination!
-Which painting is the best one for you and how would you describe your technique?
My works are all hand drawn using a variety of fine liner pens and brush/marker pens. These fine pens allow me to get the most intricate of details when creating my works. My works are mostly black and white, with little elements of colour occasionally, but for my latest piece(s) inspired but Greek Mythology, I knew I wanted them to be done in full colour.
-Have you ever visited Greece and the ancient greek sites? If so, what are your impressions, about the protection of the ancient greek cultural heritage?
I have visited Greece yes, but only a few of the islands (Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos). I was planning on taking a trip earlier this year to explore more of mainland Greece, but due to Covid-19, that didn't happen unfortunately. But I still plan to visit, and the ancient sites fascinate me, such as the Acropolis and Delphi! The protection of these incredible archeological sites is so important I believe, and they should be maintained and looked after as well as they can be.
-Which are your future plans? Do you have in mind another ancient greek painting that you want to work on?
I have many pieces that I want to create, and more works inspired by Greek Mythology. But for now, I will enjoy a break as my most recent piece was a 5 month process, with 1000 hours of drawing. So now, I will rest and think up some new ideas... watch this space!
Learn more and view his work here: http://www.jeffmurray.co.uk/
