My name is Athena Demos, but you can call me Aunt Athena. I fuel my soul by facilitating the creative process. I am a muse. I find artists everywhere I go and art in everything. I go on adventures, meet indigenous people, and impart wisdom I learn along the way. I chose not to become a mom. I am happily an aunt to 8 nieces and nephews and I look forward to being your aunt too. .
Untethered
I have performed many jobs of various skill sets from acting and production coordination, to event production and management (LA Burning Man), stripping while getting my criminal justice degree to founding a 501c3 arts organization in Los Angeles called the LA League of Arts. When the City of LA continually cited my home for code violations, I had no choice but to sell it. For 13 years it was my identity. That home was the home for many people, a community home. Over 25 people lived in that home over the 13 year period. And it was the site of many Burning Man meetings and board meetings for the LA League of Arts. To sell my home was to let go of an identity I was comfortable with. I realized without my home, I did not have a mortgage. But my mortgage was cheaper than an apartment in Los Angeles and I could not afford an apartment with the amount I was being paid at my job of 8.5 years at Moriah Films.
Precious Knowledge
It was time to jump off the hamster wheel. I sold my home, gave away or sold most of my belongings, quit my job, packed two backpacks and hopped a plane to South America. First was Cusco, Peru for 3 months while I took a Spanish Immersion Course, at the San Blas Spanish School. I volunteered at Ccochahuasi Animal Sanctuary for endangered species while learning Spanish. Then I wandered through Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. One of my favorite activities is hiking and backpacking. I met many indigenous people on my hiking. I realized they have a knowledge very few people know about. I needed to learn more.
A Quest for Knowledge
My current project is ambitious.
I seek out indigenous women to learn from them. I am fueled by my passion for understanding the nuances of their daily life. Join me on this journey of exploration as I live with indigenous communities and immerse myself in the daily lives of women.
I receive access to feminine ceremonies never before seen by the outside world. Even the indigenous men don’t see what goes on inside the sacred ceremonies. I perform many daily tasks which may include getting water and carrying it long distances, tending to a garden to feed the tribal community, caring for animals or killing them for food, preparing food, weaving fabrics to make clothing, and teaching or supervising children.
I ask questions about how their process of life has changed due to climate changes in the last 4 to 5 years. As our climate changes, the knowledge we will learn from indigenous women is critical to know.
An Invitation
Join me as the women tell their story through me. As they teach me, so shall I teach you. You will be with me every step of the way.
At the moment everything is on hold because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Once the indigenous communities are comfortable with my returning to their villages, I will continue filming. Please stand by, be safe, and stay healthy.
