Greek goddess, Athena Cosplay Amateur Style

I am a winner! Olympic winners wreath! I love my job.

I have never been one to dress up. Halloween was never an ideal time for me. I have participated from time to time but at a minimum. I have even participated in a Steampunk Valentine’s Day Dance. Going to ComicCon a few times, I have always admired those that have the ability to dress up. I have some friends that make incredible costumes, and they do cosplay on a professional level. It is quite amazing. I am an admirer of costumes but not so much a participant—like tattoos, love them just not sure I could ever get one. When I was younger I thought I wanted to be an actress. After a few times up on stage, as fun as it was, I knew that wasn’t my career path, perhaps in another life, however, I loved the behind the scenes and I wanted to be a director at one point. I love that aspect of dressing up, coming up with the plan and ideas for other to do it.

So when I was told that I was to dress up and play the part as Athena in a skit during the Summer Culture Class on Ancient Greece at the St .George Art Museum, I nearly died. Panic ensued. However, because this is 2017: My Year of Art Project, I knew that this would be just another experience to add. So I agreed to do it but, I also knew I wouldn’t just half way do it. I was going to be the best Athena I could be per my abilities and resources available.

I wanted her to be authentic, and channel my inner Athena when putting together the costume. I was able to find a spear and a Greek style helmet, but her Medusa shield was impossible to find so I knew for it to be what I wanted I had to make it. And like I said, this being my year of art, it was just another thing to try and learn.

I have to say I think the results turned out fantastic. I actually enjoyed making the shield. I hunted for the right pieces like the snakes, had some people give me great ideas on how to achieve it, I even learned a little more about spray paint—regardless of the condescending guy at the hardware store—and learned that spray paint doesn’t stick to everything. I learned what glues are best and sometimes you have to whip out the Gorilla. I learned not to procastin—ha, who am I kidding? I’ll always procrastinate. Most importantly, I learned that what I envisioned in my head can turn out and even better than I thought it would. Perhaps Athena, goddess of war, wisdom and craft, helped me. (Haha, I am kidding!) The first time I did the skit I lost to Poseidon, even though the real story Athena won, but it gave me ideas on how play my role better next time. I get to do it 5 times!

So there it is, another art project experience. I can take that knowledge and apply it to future projects too. I am sure I’ll be helping my daughter with projects for school eventually. I still don’t think I will be dressing up for Halloween but at least I know I do have the skills to produce something cool. Hurrah!