OIKIA & DIAKOSMISSI August 2003

OIKIA & DIAKOSMISSI
August 2003

Mary Nakou

The house of “Medusa”

Maria Demetriades has transformed an old olive mill in Paros into an Art Centre, with respect for local history

Art is integral to her life. Maria Demetriades, creator of “Medusa” gallery Yannis Dimitrakis used it to create an astounding work of art. Also dominating the room is the magnetic wall of Takis. The kitchen/dining room is a large, luminous space whose functionality is underscored by the large white table designed by Takis and the white Verner Panton chairs, supplied by the store of Yannis Deloudis. The bathroom is a sculptural work which reflects the talent of the local craftsmen. The owner loves the objects which are sealed with the charm of art and convey tradition as well as the images and emotions of childhood, and has included many of them in her house. Yet the exterior spaces are equally impressive. Stone terraces divide the various levels. Ceramic pots with cacti stand next to well-trimmed rosebushes, trees, vegetable patches and vines which produce exquisite wines. The serene nature and the deep blue sea of Paros make for a small summery heaven. In Maria’s house we discovered the meaning of balance and harmony in an ideal setting. Waves and whitewashed dry-stone walls, rocks and jasmine in the pots… scents, sounds and colours—deep emotions about what we feel to be the meaning of Greece.