Being half-Greek, it was always a very big deal for me to 'explore my roots,' as they say, in crappy autobiographical novels. I lived there on and off for about 15 years. Learnt a few things about painting, and Greece. Loved a lot of things about the place and people but in the end had to admit that after all that time, I hadn't found any roots - I was just always going to be a long-term tourist. One of the main things that kept me there, though, was that there was so much material, as a representational painter, to work with. Old World stuff, that we do not have in New Zealand. I still miss it.
The Falidze Tzami, Market Road, Herklio
The old Turkish water fountain, now a café. Probably the only seven-sided building I'll ever paint.
Watercolour, A3 format
Girl in Dedalou Park Heraklio
Just asked a girl that I spotted in the park if I could draw her, and she said yes. The Greeks were very easy going about that, in general. I think this one came out well.
Ink with brush on paper, 30 x 45 cm
Sthv Agora. (In the Market Place)
I exhibited this once or twice, but never put it up for sale. Pen and ink with washes.
Kafenio, Heraklio
Watercolour, 76 x 56 cm. Just an everyday scene. Guys playing tavli while talking politics and soccer. The same guys would gather everyday, have basically the same discussions everyday.
The Falidze Tzami
A surviving building from the period of the Turkish occupation. It was originally a source of pure water for the locals. Ice was stored in the ceiling, and would drip down in pipes behind the walls, then accessed through taps near the base of the building. Now it's a café.
Acrylic on board, 120 x 72 cm
Rakadiko, Kalokairinou St.
A Rakadiko is a place where Raki - also known as Tsikoudia, Grappa, or Schnapps, is sold, along with snacks. Men only, except for the eternally embittered owner's wife.
Enamel on plywood. 58 x 28 cm
Pavlos and Ioannis
Two guys in a rakadiko that let me draw them.
Pen and ink on toned paper, 28 x 48 cm
Fishermen mending nets in front of ther Koule.
The sort of thing tourists love... so picturesque! Guys just nonchalantly doing their morning's work with history - in the shape of the old Venetian fort, later Turkish dungeon, looming in the background.
Acrylic on ply, 140 x68 cm
Kafenio, Kalokairinou.
A place I used to visit when I first arrived in Heraklio. All very authentic - it got gutted and turned in a sports' shoe store. (!!!!) Which was heartbreaking for me, but of course the locals took it in their philosophical stride. Old studio photos, weird kitsch stuff on the walls, and a little sign that said 'Spitting Strictly Forbidden.' Gahd I loved it.
Oil on wood. 98 x 68 cm Not sure if this one still survives... I got all fancy doing the ground for the paint, overthought it and probably used. a surface that was very poor for oil. It may have all fallen off, apologies to the buyer..One lives and learns...)
Kids at a bar, Night Time, Heraklio
Kind of the flipside to the previous pic, I guess. Different generation, different setting, but they are all still very, very Cretan. That has not changed.
Paint and ink on paper, 78 x 54 cm
