Mosaic art has a unique historical path of 4,000 years. Ordinary materials become masterful pieces connecting people to stories and places.
Influenced by the creative eye of the famous artist Maggie Howarth, who lives and works in the Lancashire countryside having captured designs of complex geometry, abstract patterns and natural images in decorative floor landscapes, Dimitra Colomvacou, a self-taught artist, has been practicing the art of mosaics and pebbles with great success in the mesmerising village of Xirokambi in Laconia.
Τhe House of Mosaics: From the dawn of the Roman imperial period until present
The House of Mosaics museum in the heart of modern Sparta is an excellent place to experience these ancient mosaics firsthand. Being able to gaze on these vibrant and intricate artworks is a truly unique experience that allows visitors to appreciate the skill and creativity of the artisans, who created them.
The mosaics’ depiction of geometric patterns and figures from Greek mythology, including Orpheus and the abduction of Europa, is a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and artistic tastes of ancient Sparta.
The fact that 170 mosaic pavements were discovered in the northern part of Sparta’s ancient neighborhoods is a testament to the city’s importance during the Roman period.
The colors, patterns, and expressiveness of the figures’ faces are indeed remarkable, and it’s easy to imagine the mosaics in their original context as they once decorated the floors of villas, baths, and public buildings. The House of Mosaics museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in ancient Greek art, history, and culture.
Mosaic art through Dimitra’s artistic perspective…
Driven by my love for Greek culture, which grew stronger over the years, I decided to return and settle back in my homeland. For over a decade, Ι have been living with my family in the small village of Xirokambi in Laconia, Peloponnese, where I practice my craft and work on pebble mosaic paving. As a self-taught artist, I have found my niche crafting remarkable art from ancient times.
The history of mosaics is quite fascinating, from the pebbles used in Ancient Greece to the vibrant pieces of present era, including recycled treasures such as glass, mirror, ceramic tiles and even broken china!
My inspiration comes from my surroundings. I live in a small village called Xirokambi, located only 15 minutes south of Sparta and I am surrounded by the flora and fauna of the mountains and the nearby sea.
As mosaics have been made for thousands of years, travellers from both Greece and abroad are motivated by the designs that can find online and seek ancient and imaginative works of art.
I use imagination and self-discipline to create works of art which have been passed down to us from the ancient Greeks over 4,000 years ago.
Nestled amidst the sun-drenched gardens of a historic building in Sparta, Greece, you’ll find my little haven – a studio that’s more than just a workspace, it’s a meeting point for hearts and minds. It wasn’t always amidst olive groves and ancient ruins that I found my artistic calling.
I hail from bustling Toronto,Canada, but for the past 25 years, Sparta has woven its magic around me. My parents are from nearby villages so the attraction to the region was authentic, natural – deeply personal and spiritual in many ways. My father was from the village of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage site that thousands visit every year, just a few minutes from Sparta.
The rugged beauty of the Peloponnese, the warmth of its people, and the whispers of history echoing through the centuries – these are the threads that weave themselves into every piece I create.
I wouldn’t call myself a master, not by any stretch, but people from all corners of the world seem to like my work. I pour my heart and soul into each mosaic, finding beauty in the unexpected. Instead of the usual suspects, I love to breathe new life into discarded treasures –pebbles smoothed by time, fragments of marble whispering stories, even bits of china that once graced a family table. It’s like giving them a second chance to shine, each imperfection adding its own unique touch to the larger picture.
Maybe it’s the Canadian in me, but I blush a little when people call me an artist, Or maybe its my laconic and spartan DNA. I’m strong, confident and approach art with passion and conviction. But there is one thing I know for sure, it’s the joy of creating. And that joy is what I love to share.
My studio isn’t just a place for me to work, it’s a “steki,” a gathering place where friends, visitors, and even curious souls can come and learn the art of mosaics or just contemplate life. It’s humbling to watch their eyes light up as they discover the magic of transforming ordinary materials into something extraordinary.
Whether through workshops or tutorials, we share knowledge, empowering each other to discover the joy of creating and living. So, dear friend, if you ever find yourself wandering the streets of Sparta, come visit my little corner of the world. There might not be fancy displays or polished showrooms, but I promise you’ll find something more valuable – a genuine connection, a glimpse into the heart of Greece, and maybe even the spark of inspiration to create your own little piece of beauty.
I may not be a master, but I’m a passionate storyteller, weaving tales with every tesserae (a small block of stone, tile, glass or other material used in construction of a mosaic). And that, I believe, is something to be proud of and to celebrate.
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