Polyvios Christoforos
Visual Artist:
Painter, Animator and Author who has Autism
Email:
Polyvios' Artists Statement
My artistic journey began with the whimsical worlds of children's books, like Dr. Seuss, and the flickering frames of VHS animations. These early influences sparked my imagination and laid the foundation for my creative pursuits.
A pivotal moment came during an art project at the North Shore Education Consortium. Painting a spring scene with trees awakened my passion for creating beautiful works—a piece that still hangs in my home as a reminder of where it all began.
Inspired by classic animation and real-world scenes, my art bridges playful imagination and tangible observation. Over time, I honed my skills through classes that taught foundational techniques like line, shape, and texture, transforming me into a disciplined and exploratory artist.
Animation has always been my greatest passion. Influences like Ren & Stimpy, John K., Spumco, Disney classics, and the timeless teachings of Preston Blair and Walter Foster continue to shape my work. Teaching myself animation, I started with flipbooks and now use digital tools like Flash MX to bring my ideas to life.
Currently, I’m channeling my love for animation and art into new projects, including children’s books, comics, a graphic novel, and an animated student film. I’m also refining my portfolio and expanding my artmaking processes while attending figure drawing sessions to deepen my understanding of form and movement.
Rooted in storytelling and a fascination with life’s whimsical and authentic moments, my work reflects a balance of imagination and observation. Through my art, I strive to merge the joy of animation with the beauty of traditional techniques, creating works that inspire and captivate—just as my early influences did for me.
Exhibitions / where to see my work: Current and Past
2009
2018 - PRESENT
2018 - PRESENT
November 2024-December 2024
2021 - PRESENT
Winter / Spring 2025
As the 6th district Massachusetts Congressional art competition winner in High School - painting was installed in Cannon Tunnel in Washington DC for a year.
Exhibition of paintings - Dentist's office waiting room
GALA Members Exhibit 2024 I showed 3 paintings in this group exhibit and one of them sold during the show!
Exhibition of paintings, cards and books at Parcels and the NorthEast ARC public areas.
Etsy shop - PolyviosPaintingsEtc - Etsy
Various shows and exhibits throughout the North Shore with NorthEast ARCWorks
Salem Arts Association - Members Exhibit "Alive" - Honorable Mention Award
Submitting paintings to Marblehead Arts Associations - Variations Exhibit
Submitting paintings to other local North Shore Galleries, including GALA, Salem Arts, Danvers Arts, etc.
Future solo show at the GALA Community Gallery
Submitting paintings to Salem Arts Festival and Marblehead Festival of the Arts
Polyvios' Artists' Biography
Polyvios Christoforos is a native of Salem Massachusetts. He is an acclaimed artist and author with autism.
Polyvios wrote and and illustrated his children's book "Sammy Smart Guy." The book is about a young boy who struggles with autism but becomes a successful artist despite the challenges he faces. Although the book is based on a fictional character, the story is an autobiographical account of Polyvios's life. His story teaches children to follow their heart, no matter what people say.
In 2009 Polyvios won first place in the New England Congressional Art Competition, earning his painting ‘Dusk at the Acropolis’ a spot in the house of Congress in Washington, D.C. for a whole year. Polyvios, or Paul for short, has also had his artwork on display in art exhibits and healthcare facilities throughout Massachusetts such as Boston Children's Hospital. He has sold his artwork on mugs, postcards, and t-shirts to raise money for autism foundations. Paul is on a mission to raise autism awareness and pursue his dreams of becoming a cartoon animator.
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