The Story & Inspiration

I am a person that was born to be an artist. Greece is my homeland, where art is part of our existence.
I grew up literally in an art studio, as both of my parents are artists and both of my siblings are pianists. 

Doing art has been a natural activity for me since the age of 4. From the age of 6 to 16, I visited almost all the well-known museums and art galleries of Europe as part of my acquaintance with art history – that was a lifetime achievement for me. Museums provide a cultural experience, an effective way of learning and inspiration. I believe that nothing boosts our creativity more than visiting art galleries and museums.

At the age of 12, I discovered the beauty of the stone. I used to collect stones from coasts in Greece, paint and share them with people, under the Acropolis. In the following years, I was happy just to collect and observe them, in every place I visited, Europe, Africa or the USA. And, then, the magic moment came when I ‘saw’ the pure beauty in them. 

In my twenties, a near-death experience falling from the sea cliffs became a pivotal moment in my life. In that brush with mortality, I discovered a unique ability to receive messages from the Universe through nature, especially stones, only when I stay in the now. This experience opened my eyes to the profound connections between life, nature, and art.

Inspired by nature’s raw elements -stone, water, wood- I embarked on a creative journey to capture their essence in my art. Painting became my meditation, a practice of mindfulness that anchored me in the present moment. Through my work, I invite others to experience this expanded awareness, using the stone as a metaphor for stability and perfection.

In 2004, motivated by the beauty of primal nature (stone, water, wood), I started to produce a series of works based on natural coastal elements. I find beauty everywhere and painting is the way to appreciate beauty and life around me. This only happens when I stay in the now. My paintings inspire the viewer an increased awareness of their presence in an expanded present moment, using the stone element as an image of perfection and stability. 

A few years ago, I underwent a new challenge. I am a cancer survivor, and I view this experience as a profound blessing that deepened my empathy and ability to guide others on their healing paths. Every journey has its purpose, and mine is to help people find their path and empower themselves. My greatest strength is seeing the best in others, just as I view the world.

Therapists, rehabilitation doctors, physiatrists, and authors declare that my art brings therapeutic healing and raising of vibration to people’s souls. And this is my purpose.

I have been awarded for my work in Greece, Lebanon, and the USA. 

I live between two continents; Palaio Faliro, the coastal area of Athens, Greece and Round Rock, Greater Austin TX metropolitan area. I am married to the visual artist Antonis Papantoniou (www.papantoa.com), and we have 3 children, Odysseus, Achilles, and Alexander.