ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Vahé Ashodian showed a keen interest in Fine Arts from an early age.
Throughout his principal education curriculum, from Elementary to Secondary
until university years, Art was always an avenue for self-determination and
personal motivation. Born in ancient city, Aleppo, where white stone and dry
dusty air looms, in Northern Syria. Located 75 Miles inland to East of
Mediterranean Sea. 30 Miles South from Turkish border. Lies about 1246 feet
above Sea level.

Ashodian left his childhood cradle and his beloved Armenian Community of
Aleppo in Spring 1979, and moved to The United States of America. Obtained a
Bachelors Degree in Architecture from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA in
1986; As well as a Minor degree in Fine Arts Education on Temple Main
Campus. He then participated in Fine Arts Continuing Education programs at
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, (PAFA), and Philadelphia College of Art,
currently University of the Arts (PUA). From the list of Philadelphia contemporary
artists whom influenced his work were: Neil Kosh - Drawing and sculpture. Jill
Stoner - Etching and lithography (Both of Temple University). Merry Desner - Oil
painting composition. Shoji Okutani, visiting artist from Japan - Figure painting at
PAFA. Steve Jaffee - Expressive and abstract compositions at PUA.
For two decades, Ashodian practiced in the field of Architecture in Philadelphia,
Delaware County and South-East New Jersey. His experience as a Project
Architect included various light Institutional, Commercial, Religious and
Educational facilities in these tri-state areas. Ashodian’s primary wish in this website is to give a visual presentation and an appreciative understanding of :

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* Armenian Christian Architecture, driven
by personal reflections from a trip to Armenia in the summer of 2001. Set in majestic views, built in vibrant stone colors, intricate geometrical shapes and forms. These ancient monasteries became an inspiration, from which various
Oil Paintings were born.

* Architectural & Historic Sites of Philadelphia, PA.

* Still Life & Delaware County Plain Air on site landscapes.

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* Portraits

Education: (in the United States)
1990-97 Continuing Education, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA)
1988-89 Summer Sessions, Philadelphia University of the Arts (PUA)
1980-86 Bachelors of Architecture, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Invitational and Juried Exhibitions: (in the United States)
2002 Annual Art Show, Academy of Notre Dame de Namur
96/97/98 Art Auction and Sale, Armenian Sisters Academy
1995 Armenian Students Association, Fund Raising Expo, Moore College of Art
1994 Solo Exhibition at Armenian Communal Evening, Wynnewood, PA
82/83/84/85 The Annual Fine Arts Students Exhibition, Temple University