Swim Art: Eleni Kalorkoti for Bitch Magazine

When I first saw this illustration, I was drawn to the sense of flow created by the shapes representing water and swimmers. The expressions on each swimmer’s face also captured me. They were thoughtful, determined, and even relaxed. When I looked up the artist’s information, I discovered it was created by Eleni Kalorkoti for an article written by Meisha Rosenberg for Bitch Magazine titled “Making Waves: The Slow Crawl Towards Making Swimming More Inclusive.” My favorite quote:

“Women swimmers of all backgrounds provide an inspiring counter-narrative to the male-dominated sports story by showing the power of the female body taking on an elemental force – water.”

Here in Los Angeles, the visitors to the pools I swim in – public pools – are diverse. I see all ages, all genders, and skin tones in all colors possible (even red – sunscreen is important, friends!). I experience this diversity because I live in a part of the country that embraces it.

Eleni is an illustrator from Edinburgh, Scotland, who now lives and works in London. Her portfolio shows an array of work that deftly convey emotions and grace. I especially love her illustration for a New York Times article titled “Why do even gym clothes have to be sexy now?” That’s a good question! See more of Eleni’s work @elenikalorkioti