In Greek mythology, the seven daughters of Atlas and Pleione (the daughter of Oceanus) were named Electra, Maia, Taygete, Alcyone, Clæno, Sterope, and Merope. According to some versions of the myth, they committed suicide from grief at the fate of their father Atlas or at the death of their sisters, the Hyades.
A more common version made them the attendants of Artemis, goddess of wildlife and hunting, who were pursued by the hunter giant Orion. The sisters were rescued by the gods and changed into doves. After their deaths, they were transformed into stars, but are still pursued across the sky by the constellation Orion.
Only six of the stars are readily visible to the naked eye. The seventh was Electra, who left her place to avoid seeing the fall of her beloved Troy.
Electra - Acrylic on canvas (16 by 20 inches)
Joe Mussulman, artist and avid balloonist, is a professional illustrator who has created a series of paintings showing fanciful flights into ballooning history. The culture for each work in the series has been researched and a vessel shape for the period is selected for the balloon.
If you are harboring an implausible balloon fantasy, Joe is open to inspiration and pleased to include all the little extras that tickle the mind. "I have such a good time doing it!" he explains.
Joe Mussulman, 4240 W. Dakota, Tucson, AZ 85746, voice 520-883-7504, fax 520-883-3237.
