this artwork is comprised of two series of digital photographs, which i have called "portraits" and "memory." the images in both of the series, for the most part, were created to be seen as prints or as full screen digital images, and are therefore not particularly well suited to display over the web. this is most evident in the "memory" series, which is virtually impossible to experience properly on a computer screen in general, and through a web browser even less so. i've tried to get around this as suitably as possible, but the images are all smaller and of a lower quality than would be ideal-- but these are the sacrifices inherent in the internet.

the two series are linked thematically and visually, and were in fact made concurrently, which has led to their inclusion in one large artwork rather than presentation as distinct works. they have at their center the same subject matter, and share many recurring images and ideas. the series, and the images within are not meant to be looked at in any particular order. each image is meant to build to a whole experience, which is the handmade artwork, of which this is the web version.

the images have been created over a span of about a year and a half, though all of them have been continually reworked over all that time. this is especially true of the last few months as i have been working on finalizing the piece and creating this website, which has led to the creation of new pieces and new work on the rest.

i welcome and encourage any and all comments or criticisms about "handmade." my email address is elias@sardonis.com, and i would be excited to hear any thoughts-- good, bad, or neutral-- that you may have about the artwork or the pieces therein. i would also be interested in sharing my ideas about the series and specific pieces if you're interested, or hearing your interpretations. please feel free to email me. you are also welcome to visit my website (especially if you did not find your way here through there originally) at www.sardonis.com/elias.

elias sardonis
december, 1999