Aleka Artemis

Aleka Artemis is a survivor of childhood sexual, physical and emotional abuse and developed the first of seven autoimmune chronic illnesses before she was out of her teens. Aleka wanted to channel the strength of her middle name, which is also her Yiayia’s name, with a reference to the Greek goddess Artemis, the huntress. It was so fitting when she also wanted to wear the cutwork camisole, handmade by Yiayia Artemis. Allowing Danielle to use the actual camisole in the portrait was that much more meaningful. The abstracted lines in background are meant to represent the persistent trauma of her past. Using her cane instead of a bow signifies her strength in accepting her disabilities and incorporating silver foil represents Aleka’s resilience, grace and elegance in the face of innumerable challenges.