Thessalia Stephanou

Thessalia Stephanou Member Spotlight

Thessalia Stephanou was born in Nicosia, Cyprus (2002) and immigrated to the United States in 2018. She graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2024 with a BFA degree in Printmedia. Her inspiration comes from the yearning of her Greek-Cypriot heritage, specifically from her country’s rich history and traditions. Most of her artwork is on a larger scale and she uses different print media techniques to print on paper, tissue, and acetate. She has exhibited her artwork in the SAIC Sullivan Galleries and participated in a group exhibition at The Research House for Asian Art.

Home Is, Linocut, 40 x 26 in, 2023-2024

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: a Q & A with Thessalia Stephanou

How long have you been at CPC?

I joined CPC November 2024.

What’s your favorite type of printmaking?

I equally love linocut and screenprint.

Why do you make art?

Art is how I express who I am—my emotions, thoughts, and memories—in ways words alone can’t capture. It’s more than just something I do; it’s an important part of me.

What other media do you enjoy working in?

I enjoy creating collages using wood, paper, and fabric, and I also love drawing with a stick and black India ink.

What direction are you planning to go in the coming year with your work?

My direction won’t change much—I will continue making linocut prints, whether on a larger or smaller scale. I’ve missed screenprinting, so I definitely want to return to it and possibly combine it with linocut.

What book are you reading currently?

I am currently reading a manga called “Talk to My Back” by Yamada Murasaki.

What is your favorite non-art distraction?

I love cooking, especially Cypriot food. It’s so delicious!!

Who are 3 artists (dead or alive) that inspire you?

Karen Whitman, Misha Goro, and Tatiana Soteropoulos.

Who is your favorite printmaker?

At the moment my favorite printmaker is Elina Adrshina, also known on Instagram as elina.artist. She creates beautiful multilayered linocut prints.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

I gifted my best friend one of my linocut prints for her birthday!

What’s your favorite thing about CPC?

It is a great space to create prints and an amazing community of printmakers!! (:

You can read other Member Spotlight interviews here.

Home Is (2), Silkscreen & Linocut, 40 x 26″, 2024

Metamorphosis of Memories, Linocut, 30 x 11 in, 2025