Peace is Yours.

Irene is a feminine name of Greek origin that means “peace,” derived from the Greek word eirēnē of the same meaning. In Ancient Greek Mythology, Eirene is the Greek goddess of peace, known to be the personification of wealth and harmony.

A stretch of sandy land, a humble chapel, and long, hot afternoon sunlight define the beach of Agia Eririni situated at the Southern edge of the bay of Paroikia, overlooking West.

It is here, during the stormy winter weather, that I collect my driftwood and harvest the earthy pigments that shape my work.

I always enter a marble temple when I say your name, Greece writes poet Yannis Ritsos.

Characteristic of the Mediterranean region and central to classical architecture and sculpture, marble is, perhaps counterintuitively, formed at the bottom of the sea. Beneath the shimmering hues of the Aegean, we discover the intricate, naturally occurring biochemical processes—such as the sedimentation of limestone—that make marble a living, organic material.

I chose to work with marble dust not only for its unique geological and historical significance but also for its ability to reflect light like no other white pigment. Its pure, powdery white particles embody a luminous Mediterranean quality that I find both soothing and full of promise.

The delicate skin of Earth.

Soil is the Earth’s fragile skin, anchoring all life. Though remarkably thin, this layer of the Earth’s crust is vital to our survival. Often, we forget that soil is a living, breathing entity—much like our own skin, it needs care and attention. In our fragmented, fast-paced digital era, we may need “earthing” and “grounding” more than ever.

Collecting soil has become a personal ritual for me. I’m drawn to its warm, earthy orange hue that, set against a white canvas, recalls the radiance of Greek summers. I find it calming, relaxing, and deeply grounding.

The Seasoned Traveller.

I'm captivated by the story behind this material, whose origins remain a mystery. Each piece of driftwood was once part of a tree, deeply rooted in the embrace of the Earth, playing its role within a local ecosystem. Eventually displaced, it found its way to the sea, where currents carried it, and saltwater shaped it into something uniquely beautiful.

Driftwood comes in a variety of sizes and forms, from large, sculptural pieces to small, delicate fragments. After stormy weather, I comb the local beach, cleaning and selecting the most exceptional pieces to incorporate them into my work.

Simple Yet Rich.

Inspired by the sandy palette of the Cycladic landscape, I create all my work using raw cotton and linen. The visible grain of the fabric enhances the simplicity and minimalism inherent in the Islander philosophy. I stretch each painting myself on custom, high-quality wooden stretchers. The application of natural materials—earthy pigments, driftwood, marble dust, and embroidery on cotton or linen—feels like a natural pairing. A match made in heaven.

Weaving Wisdom.

The yarns and threads I use to embroider my paintings are made of cotton and produced in Greece. Local women have long used them to craft traditional crochet and knitwear.

As a female artist, I cherish embroidery as a repetitive, reflective act that connects me to the embodied wisdom of the generations of women who came before me, offering me a sense of unity, balance, and purpose.