Cyprus Life
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Traditional Love
This woodcarving is one of my most personal and cherished works. It’s a romantic scene of an old couple, inspired by my Cypriot heritage. The man is wearing the traditional vraka, playing the accordion for the love of his life, who’s sitting beside him in her traditional dress, holding a cup of tea, from herbs she growed in her garden. These details are so close to my heart because they reflect the culture and traditions of Cyprus, something I’m incredibly proud of.
The vraka is a traditional Cypriot outfit for men that has been worn for centuries. It consists of loose, baggy trousers that gather tightly around the ankles, made from durable fabric to suit the practical needs of rural life. It’s typically paired with a white shirt, a dark waistcoat, and sometimes a headpiece like a cap, reflecting the modest and functional clothing of village life in Cyprus. The woman’s attire complements this beautifully—her dress is adorned with an embroidered apron, often handmade, and a headscarf that symbolizes tradition and respect. These garments carry stories of their own, reflecting the craftsmanship, practicality, and pride of Cypriot culture.
I wanted this carving to feel like a snapshot of a simpler time, in a quiet village, where life revolved around family, love, and tradition. It’s not just about their clothes—it’s about the way those clothes tell a story of a time and place that still feels alive in my heart.
Making this piece wasn’t easy—it’s a labour of love. I remember getting a bad cut while working on it, and to this day, my pinky finger is numb. But even with that setback, I kept going because this carving meant so much to me. I wouldn’t call myself an artist—I’m a woodcarver, a creator—and for me, it’s about bringing stories to life, preserving pieces of my culture, and creating something that’s close to my heart.
This carving is part of who I am, and I’m so proud to share it with the world.
11cm Height
13cm Lenght
6cm Width
The Unfinished Portrait
Here’s a glimpse of my progress on carving the elderly lady in her gown — and if you look closely, you can spot the cut I got along the way!
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Keeping The Traditions Alive
This carving is one that truly warms my heart. It shows a traditional fourni (outdoor oven) in the background, with a woman standing proudly in front of a table filled with Cypriot delicacies. The scene is inspired by the beautiful memories of my giagia (grandmother), who taught me so much about our traditions. I remember her firing up the fourni to bake bread, make flaounes (traditional Easter pastries), and prepare all sorts of treats—from freshly baked loaves to homemade halloumi. Those moments weren’t just about food; they were about family, love, and passing down traditions.
The woman in this carving wears a traditional dress, representing the pride and authenticity of Cypriot culture. While my giagia didn’t wear a traditional outfit, her influence is in every detail of this piece. She taught me everything I know about the old ways—how to knead dough, shape the flaounes, and even prepare the halloumi that’s shown on the table. The baskets under the table, the tools for baking, and the rustic feel of the fourni all bring back those moments of sitting by her side, learning, laughing, and taking in her wisdom.
This carving is more than just a snapshot of Cypriot life—it’s a tribute to my giagia and the traditions she kept alive. It’s about the nostalgia of simpler times, the smells of fresh bread wafting through the air, and the sense of connection and warmth that comes from gathering around the fourni. For me, this piece is a celebration of heritage, family, and the irreplaceable memories that shaped who I am today.
18cm Height
30cm Length
20cm Width
The fourni
Not a challenging one, but a fun one!
