How to capture the uniqueness of this country, in an art form that is timeless and authentic to Greece? Dimitra Columvakou has one answer–mosaic designs. An ancient art stretching back 4,000 years, I have seen masterful pieces in museums throughout Greece. But I never expected to visit a studio, and I was excited to find one in Xirokambi, 10 minutes from Sparta.

With Dimitra Columvakou at her studio in Xirokambi, Laconia.

I first connected with Dimitra through her page on Facebook and have long admired her art. She had begun mosaic design in Canada, but it was not until she returned to Greece in 1996 and settled in Xirokambi that she established a studio. She finds inspiration in art, nature and culture which are reflected in every piece.

Some of Dimitra’s designs

Dimitra works in pebble  and glass. She creates designs on rocks, tile, wood, pottery, cloth, and even frying pans. No two pieces are alike. Each takes hours to construct. Pebbles and glass are handpicked and meticulously arranged. This is an art form that combines beauty and functionality; mosaics are found not only as art but on floors, walls and footpaths.

Birdbath designed and constructed by Dimitra

Dimitra told me that each stone, tile or other item, “speaks” to her and she creates a design unique to that item’s shape, size and color. As a quilter, I understand exactly what she means. An artist doesn’t force her will upon nature; instead, she allows nature to direct the creative process. And in the end, a unique work of art is formed.

More of Dimitra’s art

Dimitra’s creations extend to jewelry

Every year, my Pappas/Papagiannakos family gathers for a cousins reunion and Dimitra’s work will be there. Unfortunately, stone is heavy and I have twelve items to buy; fortunately, Dimitra has time to create small pieces for me. I can’t wait to give my cousins such unusual and authentic Greek gifts.

Some gift items for my cousins’ reunion. More are being created.

Dimitra’s work is found throughout Greece and abroad. She holds weekly workshops in Xirokambi and Kalamata. I hope that next summer, time will allow me to try my hand at this new form of art and learn from this extraordinarily talented woman.

To find Dimitra:
email: info@votsalota.com
Mosaic Art website
Mosaic Art Greece on Facebook
Mosaic Art Greece on Pinterest 
Read an interview with Dimitra here.