Maria Grigoriou

Fabric sculptor

New concepts in an old craft

Maria likes to experiment with materials and techniques
She uses paper to create pieces with a textile-like appearance
She finds inspiration everywhere, from nature to poetry to old textiles

Maria Grigoriou decided to focus on woven textiles and tapestry while studying at West Surrey College of Art in Farnham, England, which was well known for its textile department. “It was there that I got up close to a loom for the first time. Upon my return to Greece, I travelled all over the country to record the different looms used and the different types of weaving, to interview women about what they could remember about natural dyeing and generally to record whatever I could about a craft that has a very long history in the country,” she says. In recent years her work has become increasingly conceptual, as she applies textile and weaving techniques to non-traditional materials including paper, to create contemporary works.

Interview

What does 'well made' mean to you?: For an object to be considered excellent, three things are needed: hands, mind and heart. All three must work to the same high level. What distinguishes an artist from a technician is what he or she makes with the techniques: the balance, the idea, the colour, the design, the aesthetics.
What kind of techniques do you use?: I use different materials and techniques, mainly weaving, natural dyeing, indigo dyeing, folding, creasing and pleating paper (dyeing it, waxing, ironing and generally treating it like textiles), forged/hammered iron wire and other metals.
What inspired your series Imaginative Landscapes?: The dry bare landscape of the ancient ‘hospital’ of Asklipieion, motivated the series. I chose a familiar shape, like two joined palms, open to receive stories, memories and blue marks with a thread that opens paths, breaks, gets knotted, mends tears and wounds, bringing to light scars of life and traces of time with the beauty of imperfection.
Do you believe that your craft is in danger?: In the last few years, craftsmanship has made a great comeback and I am so happy because young people from different backgrounds are getting involved. Some are pure craftsmen and others come from the fine arts, bringing different aspects to the field.

Maria Grigoriou is a master artisan: she began her career in 1978 and she started teaching in 1982