Ever felt a fire to design an Art Gown for Goddess Athena, & cover it in Tarot graffiti?
If you have, I understand. We share a fascination for gowns, graffiti style street art, Tarot cards, and Greek Mythology.
It’s like 1 + 1 + 1 = 3. Art Gowns + Mythology + Tarot = ⭐️ Athena ⭐️ Graffiti Goddess.
Aquileana from “La Audacia de Aquiles”, (where I’ve learned a lot about mythology) and myself are Scorpio and Leo. Including both symbols was a must. Yes, they are Astrology symbols. Tarot incorporates them all.
On 120 ” wide silver satin, intended for curtains, I painted ATHENA in graffiti writing style. Acrylic paint mixed with a fabric medium was used, and heat set.
Then, the symbols were painted: Venus/Woman, Leo, Libra, Scorpio, Pisces, Third Eye, The Queens of Wands and Swords, an Owl, Infinity, The Star & stars and Nine Pentacles on Mini-me.
To find out how all of these symbols relate to Athena, you’ll want to read Aquileana’s next post in her series on Tarot, which will be out in the near future.
The entire gown is stitched together by hand.
The paint had made
the satin extra heavy, altering the drape.
A petticoat was in order. It added a mere 3 weeks onto the project.
The next point of construction interest was the blue spandex bodice.
Athena is oft depicted in armor, as she 
is a warrior.
I basted pleats into a strip of the satin. An ancient Greek motif was painted on it. 
When done, I picked out the basting and opened the motif. I draped her armor over the spandex, then did a final press.
Even without her petticoat and back lit, she is marvelous!
Scorpio & Leo, a Third Eye lurks between.
OUTTAKES
Athena ponders the menu for her first dinner party.
Mini-me advises Athena not to hold back on the courses. After all, Resa will be doing the shopping, cooking and dishes.
Athena contemplates the possibility of a sommelier for the event.
Art Gown “⭐️ Athena ⭐️ Graffiti Goddess” © Resa McConaghy
Designed & made by Resa, December 2017 – May 2018
Photos © Resa McConaghy – Toronto, Canada, May, 2018
Check out La Audacia de Aquiles, a very popular, and highly informative blog. Aquileana’s articles on Greek Mythology are impressive, and her current series on Tarot is fascinating.
VISIT:
► “Athena, Goddess of Knowledge” / “Athena, Art Gown by Resa McConaghy” 🦉.-
You can also follow her on TWITTER (@aquileana) by clicking on her photo.
Mini-me demanded her own close-up in this post!
Art Gowns 
Resa, I’m just blown away! This is so unbelievably stunning. You are a remarkable and outstanding designer. This is more lovely than I imagined a gown could be. I don’t know how you do it, your talent and expertise is beyond comprehension but I’m so fortunate that you share it with us. I am breathlessly waiting for Aquileana’s coordinating narrative. I would like to share this at HOH when I return there. Many Hugs and congratulations! 🎊🎉🎈
Oh dear Holly!
Thank you so very much! If poems were gowns, this one would be one of yours.
I too am looking forward to Aq’s Athena commentary in the next post of her Tarot series. Also, looking to the day you return to HOH! Many hugs to you! xxxxxx
I’m waiting for Aquileana ‘commentary. I’m just in awe of both of you. xxxxxx
Hugs dear Holly… you are such a beautiful person… and great poet ❤️❣️
Dear Aquileana, thank so much. This is such a jewel and I’m looking forward to your next post , I can’t wait! I know it will be fabulous ! Sending love and hugs 🤗♥️
Love & hugs back… Thank you very much, dear Holly ❤
What a wonderful gown. You worked all the elements of the tarot graffiti perfectly. I love how all the shapes, eyes, faces complement each other and how, depending on the angle, you see different images. And then there’s an owl — perfect since we are all about owls right now watching the owlets two doors down grow up. Athena’s gown must be quite a marvel of movement of a live model.
Owlets!! Lucky you! I’m sure you’ve been taking pics, so I’ll be right over to see them!
Thank you for all that you see in the gown. I spent a lot of time on it (6 months) The owl is a must for Athena.
I’m hoping to get this on a live model sooner than later. I have one maybe so far. I’m going to send out a few emails with pics. It would be great to take the pics in the back alley with the graffiti and alley art.
Thank you for your wonderful comment, Timothy!
She’s cool!
xoxoxo
Yeah!!! ❤ xoxo
Like all the great artists always advancing one step further in her art.
She is an extraordinary artist!!!
How did I miss this!!! Thank you, Belén! Sending love! xo
That’s really cool that you painted the design,very very Beautiful
Thank you, Sheldon! It added months to the gown, but now I’m painting.
Like a magical female Merlin! Gorgeous!
As my uncle said before he pulled a quarter out of my ear….”Hocus pocus rolly rocus!” Love to you, Cindy!
Wonderful Resa xxxxx
TY, Shey! Bring the hamsters here one day, for cookies and cookies. xoxoxo
Impressive and eye catching as always, I really enjoy the vibrancy of each dress you create. A really good (and short) book featuring Tarot cards is Italo Calvino’s The Castle of Crossed Destinies if the reading mood is still with you.
LOL! You have a book for everything!
Glad you like the Art Gown. She took 6 months to make. I seem to get deeper in with each gown!
Hope you’re enjoying all your stray pets you’ve adopted!
I try to read widely that way I can recommend a book for any situation. There will be a review at some point soon. I know what you mean about getting deeper into a project, I think it shows though and your gowns are always really impressive. They are a handful, lots of fights and getting under my feet but I love the crazy posse!
The posse!!! LOL!
Amazing! As ever.
Thanks John!!
Hoping to get this on a live model!
Good luck!
Amazing!
Sorry about the duplicate comment. Thought it hadn’t happened first time. Anyway…amazing!
Hey, cool! It’s like having identical triplets weigh in. What’s the old saying? Three heads are better than one? 😀
Absolutely beautiful dear Re… You have done an excellent job with this gown. The details stand out…. Not to mention the symbolism you have included. So many symbols surrounding Athena… Some of them more explicit than others… The owl is the most clear symbol, as It represents Wisdom… And Athena is the Goddess of Knwoledge and Wisdom… I love the third eye: maybe wisdom is also associated with a sort of “powerful intuition”, i. e the third eye and the ability to “see beyond”. Scorpio and Leo: two zodiac signs that reveal strong personalities. The stars are a pretty detail. ((Here comes the Star card from Major Arcana!: Again Intuition!). I really love it… one of your best ones, for me…
Thanks for everything. And loking forward to writing about this in a few weeks (You´ll have to help me, of course 🙂 ) Hugs and love across the miles ❤ 🌟💫 ❤
Dear Aq,
I’m quite behind answering comments. I needed to get my package off to the magazine in the U.K. It is all very exciting, and I wanted to pick the best photos. Also, I had a bit of trouble with pasting the Press Release into the email, as the links would not stay hot.
Anyway, it’s done!!!
I’m so excited about your next article. Everything you said about the symbols and Athena is right on. My fave part, though, is how you might deal with Scorpio and Leo living on the same Athena gown. All very thrilling.
I look ahead to helping in anyway I can with the new Tarot post, however, I’ll wait for when you are actually working on it, and need some input. You know how I can ramble on when it’s not needed.
Anyway, This is one of my fave Art Gowns. She is a brilliant departure from the others.
Sending Love and hugs down south, through many countries and 2 continents! ❤ 🇦🇷 🇨🇦 ❤
This gown really deserves to be featured. So happy about the magazine issue spotlighting it! 🙂 😀 Of course, I´ll get back to you soon… once I have a draft. Thanks so much for this collaboration. It is always a pleasure!!!! 🙂 ❤ Hugs & love up North! 🙂
Resa, this is absolutely STUNNING. The pictures are amazing the dress is truly made for a Goddess. It’s incredible, just like you. An artist in every sense of the word. So very, very beautiful.
Thank you Gi! Also, thanks for sharing on your blog. Athena might be in a magazine in July. I’ll keep you posted! 😀 ❤
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Awesome ! What talent !
No wonder it took you for ever to create dear Resa. Such exquisite detail ! Well done ! xoxoxo ❤
Thank you, Ralph! She might be in a magazine! Love to all. xoxoxoxo ❤
Wow ! That is brilliant ! I am so looking forward to reading the item about your gown in the magazine. Well done my friend 🙂 xoxoxo ❤
Reblogged this on The Sisters of the Fey and commented:
You must see thus beautiful gown designed by Resa with Goddess Athena and Tarot Graffiti in mind. It is so exquisite! And read about Aquileana’s wonderful Greek mythology (Athena) and Tarot posts. These two ladies are so talented and stir up an incredible collaborative storm!
Thank you for your kind words, and the reblog, Marje! It’s always a thrill teaming up with Aquileana.
My pleasure Resa. 🙂 x
Very creative. Love the symbolism, you melded everything together into one masterpiece. YOU are the goddess!
xoxoxo
Love you ❤
Okay, I like that idea, about being a goddess. I think you are a goddess, too… and some other women. 😀 xoxoxoxoxoxo Love you, too! ❤
Wow, amazing gown! Thank for taking us through the process of how you made it. I love the painted artwork and the way the fabric drapes over the mannequin. It’s a gown worthy of the warrior goddess. 🙂
Thank you Carolee! Hey, if anyone knows about female warriors, it’s you. It’s been just nuts around here, and I’ve got another project I have to finish by mid July.
DESI sounds fab! OMG, you are a very dedicated and productive writer. I admire you. -Resa xoxo
Good luck on your next project, Resa! Another gown I’m guessing?
Thank you, I feel really flattered *blushing* It’s more that writing doesn’t feel like work, and I’m pretty sure you feel the same way about making gowns. xoxoxo
The Art Gowns are my creative life blood! I get you!
This exquisite piece of arte is the result from using a new Alphabet of Beauty that you have created parting from all the diverse mixes of symbols, colors and fabrics. Those signs, brilliantly combined, compose this exquisite visual symphony.
An evident proof of your artistic talent.
Oh thank you, dear Marcelo! You said to take my time, and I did. It was worth it.
“A visual symphony”…. your words are music to ears. I’m so happy you came to see this Art Gown! -Resa xx
Keep smiling! 🙂
X 😀 X
Beautiful and Artistic!!!
Thank you very much! 😀
What intricate details Resa, and you give them so much life of their own!
Thank you, Maria! It took 6 months to make her. It feels worth it! 😀 The plants love it when I make the Art Gowns. The cats come in and sleep by the plants, the music is on, the plants get lots of extra spritzing and much taking care of. After all, when it’s time to take the pictures, the plants need to look as beautiful as ever!
What a wonderful gown, Resa! I keep scrolling up and down through the post just seeing more and more details! Well done!
YaY! Thank you, Claire! I’m so happy you are enjoying looking at her. That means a lot me. 😀 😀
My pleasure, Resa! 😀 😀
Resa, this is a spectacular piece of art. The themes and details are amazing, and so is all the hand painting!
Thank you, Mia! I’m quite happy about her. It’s always a bittersweet when an Art Gown is done and posted. I seem to be most alive when I’m working on one.
Dear Resa, you’re most welcome. Thank you for you’re reply, you’ve validated feelings I’ve had for long time, once the project is complete there’s an unfounded emotional loss, and yes it is bittersweet. Lovely gown, I’m looking forward to your next creation!
Darling Resa. In your world the incredible. The magnificence. The glorious Take place. Your silver scissors snip and cut. Your fingers pleat and fold. Brave new worlds flow from your paint brush. Magic symbols flaunt their power. We are entranced. Spellbound. We are mere mortals in the presence of greatness. We bow to you. XXXOOO Virginia
Dearest Virginia,
You are very kind!
I’ve always adored your comments, because they have always made me feel very special.
Now, I feel like a goddess. I bow to you, my friend, and mentor that I have never met. -Resa XOXOXOXO
Dear Resa I am always with you. Turn your head a little and see my shadow on your shoulder. My hand close to yours. I am always your Virginia.
❤ I love you! ❤
Elegant and a true work of art. This gown is one of my favorites of your creations.
Thank you, and I also think this one is a fave. I think she is in some ways a milestone in my creative life. Thank you!!!!! -Resa xo
Cripes, that’s a bloody epic that one! Like something from the Zelda games – fantabulous. Where do you even begin with something like that? I’d start with the eyeball.
Have you seen the Phantom Thread film yet with Daniel’s Daily Lewis?
Yeah….epic, a 6 month epic. However, it’s done and I’m happy!
I started with the tail. I did the name Athena, first, then I did the infinity symbol. The rest is a blur.
You know that eyeball can see you?
I’ve not seen Phantom Thread, but it’s on the list. 😀 ❤
Oh my Goodness, or should that say Oh my Goddess.. LOL.. So loved your new gown my friend, Oh so much work has gone into its creation,
Such a magical symbolic expression.. So much to take in and I devoured each stitch.. Knowing exactly the effort and skill which has gone into its creation..
AMAZING!!! ..
just Brilliant… Can you tell, I love it.. 🙂 Giggle.. ❤ ❤ ❤
LOL! Oh my Goddess…. good one, Sue! 😀
It’s great that you understand the building process. Thank you for your kind words, and yes, I might be getting the feeling that you like this particular Art Gown. Take care & have a fab weekend! ❤ ❤ ❤
My Mum and I are Leo and Scorpio, I love the symbolism especially the eye and swirls. I like your choice of vibrant blue too, just super. 👩🏼🎨👏🏻
How neat that you and your mum are Scorpio and Leo, as they are heavily featured on this gown.
I saw a piece of street art that was silver and a blue that just made it all work. I saw that exact blue at the art store. It’s Cyan Blue. Even the name of it sounds rich and vibrant.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Charlotte! I’m so happy you visit Art Gowns! ❤ ❤
You are a remarkable designer.i love the gown .it’s just so gorgeous
Thank you!
Ohhh !!! Resa, this is beautiful, it’s one more step in your art, combining graffiti and ArtGowns was a very difficult task and you have solved it with great success, congratulations dear friend, I love seeing your paintings on the fabric of the dress, the first photo is totally a painting, a work of art …. I believe that its place is a museum, an exhibition.
I don’t understand much of the art of sewing but I suspect that this ArtGown has a lot of difficulty in its creation, the design is sensational, even more complicated is to combine those drawings and that the result is uniform, pleasing to the eye, that the graffiti do not appear cut … I don’t know how to explain it, but I am very surprised, you are a versatile artist!!!
Again I express my congratulations, I think you have managed to surprise us all and have taken your art to another dimension, a complete work.
You are working hard, very hard … and you are working very well, when I see the process of creation in the photos I feel very proud to have you as a friend (and in a way also as a family :))
Dear Belén,
Thank you for you’re wonderful comment!
I made the symbols large, so they could be seen, and each could be featured from a specific angle.
I think when you say the first photo, you are talking about the name “ATHENA” done on the tail of the gown. I really tried to do it graffiti writing style. It is my fave piece, too. In real life, it looks a bit like stained glass.
I did my best, but of course next time it will be better.
It’s like my N says, “creativity is not your problem. Making money from it is your challenge!”
I’m working on that, too!
I’m also very happy you are in my life. I adore my duck family, and I adore you.
We are a strange family, many miles apart, but close at heart.
Sending besos y abrazos!!
Resa xoxoxo
The money will come, I’m sure, maybe when you least expect it, but it will arrive, so much talent has to be rewarded.
It’s true, we are a strange family, a multicultural and interracial family (humans, ducks …) 🙂 🙂 I love it !!!
I hope that Lluvia has started his first flight practices, a whole world of surprises awaits her, Lake Ontario is a good call for her wings ….
Besos y abrazos!!!
As a matter of fact, the entire family is out for a fly and swim as I type this message!
Of course, there are many sea gulls, and some geese, but there are also swans and many other ducks!
I only hope no one has brought chocolates for the ducks. Lluvia is too, young to waddle home with the adults! XOXOXO
Exquisite and breathtaking.
Thank you, Alex! 😀
This is sensational! I know nothing about this special craft but I see an exquisite work of art. You and Aquileana are incredibly gifted. Respect and hugs!!!
Thank you, Sidran!
I have had some fun virtual times with Aq!! She is definitely fun to pair with.
Respect and HUGS to you, dear Sidran!
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Wow, haven’t you been a busy bee! I’d love to see it on a live model; it would be even more spectacular – if that is possible.. 🙂
Such intricate artwork, Resa; something new – another string to your bow, so to speak. The mind now boggles for your future Art Gowns. The ‘ceiling’ has been smashed. What next?
We’ll just have to wait and see… 😉 😉
xoxoxo
Bzzzzz! Lol! Yes, I am a busy bee!
I want to be busy doing what feeds me with light. 🔆🔆
Well, Art Gowns and Resa will be in a magazine in July… apparently. I am quite excited. I have had mounted canvas prints made of some of the Art Gowns. I intend to add some paint, and submit them to art show possibilities.
Onward! XOXOXO
And Upward…. !!!
This sounds wonderful. Will you be posting images of your ‘mounted canvas prints’? I know I, for one, would love to see them. ❤
xoxoxo
Yes, I believe I will! I haven’t taken brush to paint to canvas, yet. I’m off to buy brushes tomorrow.xoxoxp
Hahaaa….. This is going to be fab!
Well done to you…
Love You
xoxoxo
Luvu2! 😀 xoxoxo
Resa, darling …. my Goddess! YOU! Only a Goddess could design like this. Incredible beyond words your gown leaves my heart in my throat! Your talent blows everyone out of the water and puts me just wanting to pay homage to you as the unique Master Artist that you are. I can actually see your gowns on the red carpet …. many red carpets. The work, the detail, the THOUGHT that went into this … the time … Resa, shoot for the stars for you are a Star. You should be rich beyond anything you have dreamed of …. your gowns are truly ONE OF A KIND. OUTSTANDING!!! WOO-HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *Jumping up and down shouting* WOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!! 😯😯😯😯😯😯😯👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
LOL!!! Thank you, Amy!
Well, so far I am rich, but not with money! LOL
Hopefully something will happen with the extended Art Gown projects I am doing.
I’ve been getting some pics printed on canvas and mounted. They look fab. I’m going to add a few highlights with acrylic paint. I’m submitting for an art show with an August deadline.
Guess I better go get some paint brushes!!!!!
WOO HOO!!!!!
Thank you so much for this wonderful comment! ⭐️🎵🎵⭐️🌹🦄🔆
You’re headed for riches, dear friend. How can you not be with talent such as yours!!! WOO HOO to YOU! 🦋🦋🦋🦋
This gown is breathtaking! I love the detailed artwork and enjoyed watching the whole design unfold in all your pictures!
Thank you! “The making of” is an important part of the post. I enjoy writing that.
😀 😀 😀
Gorgeous. Really impressive design.
It was a labour of love! Thank you!
You’re welcome
Speechless my friend at your talent. Speechless at the talent Aquileana possesses. I am going to sit here speechless and enjoy the moment. 🙂 I am a Scorpio you know, and it takes a lot to make me speechless. Susan tells me it’s okay to say I love you, so I will. 🙂
Ah, a speechless Scorpio! That’s okay, you say a lot in your prose! 😀 😀
So, I love you, too, because I know you only love me for my mind and my talent. I love you for your mind and talent. What more could a person ask for? Give my regards to Susan!
I need to chill out from this Art Gown before I tackle the next one. It’s weird, but there’s like a blues, a down movement when one is finished and posted.
So, the next one will be dedicated to you. I will be writing you and/or Susan with a couple of questions in a few weeks. XOXO (one xo for you & one xo for Susan) 😀 😀
I think I understand that feeling when a project of creativity is done. For me its like solving the mystery, finding that last puzzle piece and making everything complete. At least for the moment. 😉 All your gowns are masterpieces and this one was so exceptional. I want you to get plenty of rest for what is to come. 😉 Resa Whitby is about to move into the supernatural. Thank you my friend, Susan and I will look forward to your questions. 🙂
WOW! That’s SOOOO gorgeous and rockin’!!!! Cheers!!!! 🤗💖☀️!
TY! Yeah, I think she’s gorgeous! 😀 Well, I think all my girls are gorgeous! 😀 ❤ ❤
They truly are!!! 🤗
Gorgeous!
Thank you!!!! 😀
Resa, what you have created and design here is genius!
The combined elements of tarot, & mythology are superb!
I never would have thought fashion mixed in with tarot & mythology would be impossible. But, you made it possible with your incredible and genius creative design.
Man, this is wow! I want to see more tarot/mythology work in your design gowns. Please do more. 🙂 I love this Resa. Much respect.
Dear Charlie,
Thank you so much! Yes, it is an interesting concept, and I think I did well with it.
It seems as long as I approach the Art Gowns, as art and not clothing, anything is possible.
I think you understand. I’m thinking outside the box by saying it’s art first, a garment second.
Certainly you think outside the box with your approach to poetry. 😀 😀 Unique!
Wearable art – oh yes! I love the bold colors and symbolism, including your astrological signs and Athena. It has a breathtaking back to it, with a full skirt and imagery that is captivating. I adore it, just as I adore both of you ladies ❤ Bravo!!
Yay! Thanks, Christy! It took awhile to make, because of all the painting.
You always have a fab runway description, thank you!
I adore you, too, and it looks like WWI is flourishing. ❤ ❤️
Resa, your creativity is an incredible work of extraordinary art. Congratulations on such a wonderful and symbolic gown – you and Athens do fantastic work together!
Thank you, Mary! That means a lot coming from you. You are a talented and fabulous artist! I’m painting… of sorts, now. I’ve had 10 Art Gown pics blown up and printed on canvas. I’m painting over them with iridescent acrylics. I’m hoping to get into ant art show!
That is very cool Resa – best wishes, because there is no doubt that you work / creations will be sought after as they hit the art scene.
Mary, I appreciate the support! Thank you!
So lovely and original. Thanks for sharing and wishing you many blessings.
Thank you, and many blessings back at ya! 😀
amazing
Thank you!!
Reblogged this on Spiritual Challenges.
Resa my frined , your creativity is an incredible work of extraordinary art . Wtih love maxima .
Thank you so much, Stefan! The gowns are taking longer to make, but the have gotten more intricate. Hope you and your family are all well and healthy! _Resa xx
Wow Resa! How you keep outdoing yourself, I know not – but you do it every time! Another extraordinary gown in your collection. This one stands out for me because, who could resist Athena?
Aww, thank you! I do try to make the most beautiful Art Gown every time I make one. It’s really great to have a passion. You’re right! Who could resist Athena? 😀
Yeah all your “girls” are sooooo gorgeous and (as other says too) you keep outdoing yourself again and again. Resa, you are pure magic. 😉
Thank you darling LDN! 😀 I always love it when you come by!
Now, how is the Tux doing? Is he still waiting in the suitcase? Or have you locked him back in the closet? Has he seen Athena? Sending hugs! 😀
The tux locked back in the closet – when it hear the name Resa it act like a teenager in love 😀 😀
Poor thing! All dressed up, and no where to go. 😀 😀
Such a wonderful collaboration.
Wow this is so beautiful ❤
Thank you! ❤