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Dr. Nicholas Orfan co-authored "Destiny of an Artist," based on the experience of George Petridis. Petridis's wife, Melanie, typed the stories and sent the stories to Orfan, who edited it for publication. (Submitted photo / July 6, 2012) |
He said it took time to get to know Petridis to understand his English and what he meant, but for Orfan, it was a labor of love.
Love appears many times throughout Petridis' life from family, friends and strangers who recognized his talent. These people helped him to market himself, to sell paintings, to open his own art gallery and, most importantly, to believe in himself and his artwork.
Petridis had a love for art, but never knew where this passion came from. When Petridis was visiting his brother in Toronto, they called their mother who lives in Greece to tell her they reunited.
Petridis told his mother of his newfound love for painting and how he was going to make a career out of it. He also told her he was going to teach his brother, Gaston, how to paint. Petridis was surprised when he found out from his mother that his father had also been a painter and professional artist. From that moment, Petridis realized it was in his blood to be an artist.
"The aim of the book is to inspire young people," Orfan said.
He said Petridis wants young people to know art is a wonderful thing to pursue.
Petridis told Orfan that because he was true to his art and continued to paint in difficult times, he developed a style to create art that helped fulfill his own mind.
In each of the seven chapters in the book, a painting by Petridis represents a time in his life. The colorful paintings illustrate his travels to Paris, Germany, Toronto, New York and Puerto Rico.
Orfan became more interested in art after meeting Petridis. He now collects art and has about 15 original paintings, three of those by Petridis.
"I learned to always look for something unique and wonderful about people that you meet because often you'll be surprised," he said.
Beyond learning about Petridis' life, Orfan wants readers to take away more from the book.
"The book is a great read for everyone, but especially for young people because, it consists of love, adventure, humor and tragedy," he said.
He said "Destiny of an Artist" teaches readers how to be resilient and how to make things work when times are difficult.
Petridis, now 72, continues to paint and goes to Rio Center Mall to sell his artwork. Although he has some health issues, he still has the talent and love for painting and wishes to produce a sequel.
About the book
CO-AUTHORS: Dr. Nicholas Orfan of Hagerstown and Melanie Petridis of Slippery Rock, Pa.
TITLE: "Destiny of an Artist"
GENRE: Memoir
PAGES: 162
PRICE: $26.99 paperback
AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com
AVAILABLE IN STORE AT: Turn the Page Bookstore in Boonsboro
Love appears many times throughout Petridis' life from family, friends and strangers who recognized his talent. These people helped him to market himself, to sell paintings, to open his own art gallery and, most importantly, to believe in himself and his artwork.
Petridis had a love for art, but never knew where this passion came from. When Petridis was visiting his brother in Toronto, they called their mother who lives in Greece to tell her they reunited.
Petridis told his mother of his newfound love for painting and how he was going to make a career out of it. He also told her he was going to teach his brother, Gaston, how to paint. Petridis was surprised when he found out from his mother that his father had also been a painter and professional artist. From that moment, Petridis realized it was in his blood to be an artist.
"The aim of the book is to inspire young people," Orfan said.
He said Petridis wants young people to know art is a wonderful thing to pursue.
Petridis told Orfan that because he was true to his art and continued to paint in difficult times, he developed a style to create art that helped fulfill his own mind.
In each of the seven chapters in the book, a painting by Petridis represents a time in his life. The colorful paintings illustrate his travels to Paris, Germany, Toronto, New York and Puerto Rico.
Orfan became more interested in art after meeting Petridis. He now collects art and has about 15 original paintings, three of those by Petridis.
"I learned to always look for something unique and wonderful about people that you meet because often you'll be surprised," he said.
Beyond learning about Petridis' life, Orfan wants readers to take away more from the book.
"The book is a great read for everyone, but especially for young people because, it consists of love, adventure, humor and tragedy," he said.
He said "Destiny of an Artist" teaches readers how to be resilient and how to make things work when times are difficult.
Petridis, now 72, continues to paint and goes to Rio Center Mall to sell his artwork. Although he has some health issues, he still has the talent and love for painting and wishes to produce a sequel.
About the book
CO-AUTHORS: Dr. Nicholas Orfan of Hagerstown and Melanie Petridis of Slippery Rock, Pa.
TITLE: "Destiny of an Artist"
GENRE: Memoir
PAGES: 162
PRICE: $26.99 paperback
AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com
AVAILABLE IN STORE AT: Turn the Page Bookstore in Boonsboro
