How can it feel to live in the Peloponnese? According to Dimitra Colomvakou, mosaic artist from Sparta: life in the Peloponnese is simple, authentic and challenging. I visited Dimitra with my friends at the beginning of June 2022.

Life in the Peloponnese: simple, authentic, challenging

Dimitra about life: “That life is short you know and unfortunately we learn later in life what we are passionate about. It is very important to follow your heart and find something that attracts you and that you love even slowly. If your profession is what you love, then it is not a profession, it is creation, it is a source of life. I discovered that I have a lot of patience, persistence and a lot of stubbornness for what I do and I finally succeeded!”

*Which year did you move from Canada? You not only changed a country but also your professional career?*
I moved from Canada in May 1997 when I was 35. I studied law and was employed as a paralegal in Toronto law firms. My job was demanding and after many years, I yearned for peaceful simple living. This is when I decided to move to Greece to manage our family owned hotel business.

Did your interest in mosaic develop after you moved to Greece or did you think about it in Canada as well?

My interest in mosaics developed way before I moved to Greece. Growing up in Toronto, I was introduced to the world of mosaics from grade school. I realized when I moved to Sparta and visited the Aracheological Museum, I was inspired by an abandunce of ancient mosaics on display. Recently opened to the public , The House of Mosaics, presents two unique samples of ancient works that are truly breathtaking.

Do you remember your first memories of “living for real” in Greece?

I had been spending my summer vacations in Greece since I was 11 years old and 25 years ago I decided to make Greece my new home. My memories of this beautiful country are filled with bright blue skies, sunlight, green hues on mountainsides and the azure sea.

Tell us more about your company.

I decided to leave the family business and raise my daughter full time. I am a self taught mosaic artist. I researched techniques and started making mosaics in the ancient manner but I also work with different materials to create contemporary style mosaics. In 2017, I opened my company called MOSAIC ART GREECE which includes large scale pebble mosaics, decorative mosaic art and jewellery. I accept commissions and most of my work is available online or at my studio in Sparta. I also give 3 hour workshops to anyone who is interested in learning the basics of this ancient art form.

Both your parents are from Greece. What is your experience of Greek culture when it comes to meeting foreigners?

I absolutely love meeting foreigners from all over the world and I am very enthusiastic in telling them my story. I also like to inform visitors not only of the well known tourist attractions but also places that are off the beaten path. They will experience the local culture and authentic greek cuisine. The Southern Peloponese offers many day trips to mountain trails, monasteries, archaeological sites and picturesque villages along with costal sea views.

Has the company developed as you thought?

The first years of living in the Peloponnese were absolutely wonderful! It is a simpler life here, more laid back and relaxing than that of working in a big city. My company has developed slowly because I chose to balance my time between raising my daughter and my work life. This year my daughter has gone abroad to study which leaves me with more time for mosaics….and…. fills the void from the absence of my daughter.