Hello world

When I was two I kept saying to my grandfather that when I grow up I will become a painter, although I couldn’t really pronounce the word. He thought it was cute and funny and he kept asking me and I kept saying I’ll become a painter.

At around six or seven years old though my career path took a wild turn. I decided to become a saint. I was deeply disappointed that I didn’t have a name day which is a big, presents-heavy, day for a Greek person so I decided to give it a go. Then the rest of Amalias would have their special day. Although the process -for those interested- isn’t really complicated, I discovered within a week I wasn’t cut out for the role.

Following that short-lived but intense career move all the other roles I’ve had (editor, entrepreneur, accelerator manager, head of innovation, etc) felt like a -delicious- piece of cake. I love all these different roles because they all feel like a different lifetime and they all opened up a different world to me.

Throughout my life I kept going back to art for comfort, but I’ve been very hesitant to make my art public or see it as a career option. Why? Partly because art is too personal. It’s much easier having people opting out of buying your product and much harder having them not liking your art. It feels like they are rejecting a part of you. Something you become totally ok with in the course of life and even take it as a sign you are on the right path.

More importantly though you don't want to risk your sanctuary of the day-to-day troubles of the harsh capitalist reality we live in. You don’t want to turn your work into a job. It’s a tough balancing act.

But even so, the need to create and push your limits eventually consumes you and your fears. So here we are now. I’m challenging myself one more time to change course. To be vulnerable and share my art journey with the world. To focus on the connection and not the disconnection. To invest in my passion not just my ideas.

Wish me luck ;)