PHILOTIMO - ΦΙΛΟΤΙΜΟ
Canvas, acrylic
16 x20 in | 20x20 cm
Philotimo (φιλότιμο) is the first painting in my art collection Greek Summers
This series was created to translate into visual form a selection of my summer memories from the very first year I returned to Greece as a visitor.
Greece is, and always will be, my home—the place where I grew up, lived, laughed, cried, made mistakes, achieved, forgot, and forgave.
Each piece in this collection represents a personal memory captured through photography and later reimagined on canvas. Every painting is named after a Greek word that is either difficult or impossible to translate directly, carrying layers of meaning that exist beyond language.
Philotimo (φιλότιμο) is one of those Greek words that cannot be fully translated. It describes a deeply rooted sense of honor, integrity, generosity, compassion, and the desire to do what is right—not out of obligation, but because it reflects your character.
Since moving to the United States, I have come to appreciate this value even more. Living abroad has strengthened my connection to the Greek principles I was raised with, reminding me to approach others with kindness, respect, and gratitude wherever I am.
This scene is from Crete, Greece while we were hiking to hit the famous Balos Beach. Under the hot sun we saw multiple goats to wonder around and this cute goat was calmly siting by itself than I couldn’t resist not to take a picture!
