10/3/10
3/23/10
In Memory
This article is in memory of a young woman who touched so many people in her life. Sofia Drouga
was creative, hard-working, beautiful, smart and giving. It took me while to know her on a personal level, but before we became friends she and her brother and sister were already part of my new life in Porto Heli. They have been running a very good bakery and catering business in Porto Heli, Ermioni and Kranidi (the near-by towns) for some time now, and all from a young age- the youngest, Athanasia, is now 26. Even before I knew who had the bakery in my town we used to go there and get cookies that were so good we'd bring them back to Athens or sometimes they wouldn't even make it that far! When we had our opening event for Blue Fig Art they catered the evening and we all loved how wonderful it turned out (they also catered for our Saudi exhibit because no one could have done it better). Of course Sofia was there the whole time working discreetly behind the food table even though she was in charge. Later on, Athanasia would bring her little Yorkie to play with mine and we got to now each other. She lovingly included me in her circle of friends and that is how I got to know her sister Sofia. I realized what a beautiful family they were through the memories and funny stories they shared with me and how they supported one another. Their commitment and self-discipline was admirable; how one of the siblings would cover for the other one and work double shifts or to hear Sofia talk about the ingredients she would choose for her desserts was inspiring.
Recently, Sofia also began teaching at a culinary institute in Athens and we were all so proud of her accomplishment. She was making changes in the world through her creativity and love for cooking. Her love for life and people also exuded from her personality, she loved to dress up, go out and have fun. She didn't let the world get in the way of her plans and that is why I loved her with all my heart. Sofia passed away two weeks ago but her warm eyes, big smile, and even bigger heart will always be alive for me.
was creative, hard-working, beautiful, smart and giving. It took me while to know her on a personal level, but before we became friends she and her brother and sister were already part of my new life in Porto Heli. They have been running a very good bakery and catering business in Porto Heli, Ermioni and Kranidi (the near-by towns) for some time now, and all from a young age- the youngest, Athanasia, is now 26. Even before I knew who had the bakery in my town we used to go there and get cookies that were so good we'd bring them back to Athens or sometimes they wouldn't even make it that far! When we had our opening event for Blue Fig Art they catered the evening and we all loved how wonderful it turned out (they also catered for our Saudi exhibit because no one could have done it better). Of course Sofia was there the whole time working discreetly behind the food table even though she was in charge. Later on, Athanasia would bring her little Yorkie to play with mine and we got to now each other. She lovingly included me in her circle of friends and that is how I got to know her sister Sofia. I realized what a beautiful family they were through the memories and funny stories they shared with me and how they supported one another. Their commitment and self-discipline was admirable; how one of the siblings would cover for the other one and work double shifts or to hear Sofia talk about the ingredients she would choose for her desserts was inspiring.
Recently, Sofia also began teaching at a culinary institute in Athens and we were all so proud of her accomplishment. She was making changes in the world through her creativity and love for cooking. Her love for life and people also exuded from her personality, she loved to dress up, go out and have fun. She didn't let the world get in the way of her plans and that is why I loved her with all my heart. Sofia passed away two weeks ago but her warm eyes, big smile, and even bigger heart will always be alive for me.
3/13/10
Marina Marvelaki
Marina Marvelaki, a professional Greek artist and art teacher, combines unexpected elements to make whimsical works of art. Her most recent works are nests made from wood, dried fruits and nuts, string and clay beads. All material and colors she uses are environmentally friendly. The last work shown here is a silkscreen print of a skyscraper in plexiglass. Some of her skyscraper series are on sale at the shop.
Passionate Life
My former classmate, Carolina Spielmann, has been splashing Paris with her vibrant colors and bold shapes that echo the beat of her Argentinian heritage. See more of her work on her site http://www.carolinaspielmann.com
Linocuts
I made these two linocuts this past December. The top one is a memory from our childhood summers in Greece when we used to eat Papadopoulou biscuits.
Our mother's family name is Papadopoulou and that's what makes them extra special.
CB and Beta Fish
This image was taken by Robert Cochran who is a professional photographer from California. He and I met recently while he was touring Greece. I was on my way to Athens and he was going to Hydra on the hydrofoil. This photo is one of my favorites in his collection of animal photos that I asked him to send me. It's charming and funny nature caught my attention. Cochran's "CB and Beta fish" photo will be up in the gallery this spring.
2/17/10
"Dream, Dreamer."
Along with the linocut " I wuv you" I showed this work at Lori Betz's gallery on Friday the 12th of Feb. It is ink on tracing paper and coated with resin. Lori suggested we try resin, it was both her and my first time to use it. This is a work that was from the heart and the title comes from
one of my favorite songs. The work goes for 150 bucks.
2/9/10
Waleed and Lulu: two well-rounded mutts
Waleed is well-traveled and Lulu is so affectionate. These mutts are the characters in some illustrations that I've been working on in the last month here in Texas. It's been fun getting intimate with my little furry friends! Lulu will be featured in a new lino-print that I made especially for Valentine's at Lori Betz's studio and gallery in Houston. She is having a Valentine's show about "The Art of Love." If anyone is up for seeing this group show, it will be this Friday at 18:00-21:00 on 1208 West Gray, Houston.
1/1/10
Bahrain
Bahrain had made contacts with other Middle Eastern civilizations of the time through sea trade and was therefore exposed to the great civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia. Their history shows a sensitivity to art. I just wanted to show everyone a few examples of ancient Islamic constructions.
These photos are from one of Bahrain's forts. It was built at least 2000 years ago and is very well preserved. The fort is surrounded by a moat and is next to the beach. I love its elegant simplicity.
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