Elliniko Spiti

Elliniko Spiti / Dimitris Koutelieris

14 Kekropos St., Plaka
tel.: 210 323 5924

A chair - object of art by Dimitris Koutelieris.

Dimitris Koutelieris was born on the island of Naxos, in the rich with history island group of Cyclades. He studied conservation of ancient works of art and worked at the Ministry of Culture for 30 years. Over the years he also worked with the University of Munich on excavations on the island of Aegina, collaborated with the French Archaeological School in Lavrio, and offered his services in several other University excavations.

At the same time, Dimitris Koutelieris also founded the "Elliniko Spiti" in Plaka, creating useful objects out of old wood, marble and iron. In a small, yet historic, corner of Plaka, underneath the Acropolis, he gives new life to old objects, demonstrating his love and respect to the history they carry within.

His workshop exalts an unusual warmth and peace from the very first moment one steps in, something similar only to what can be found in nature. Furniture and objects of all kinds, made mostly of wood and metal, fill up the space with a distinctive color which makes the visitor travel into the past in a glorious way. Repetitive visits to areas where old houses are being demolishes, or to shipyards are the source of inspiration and suppliers of the "raw" material he uses in his creations.

The artist courts his materials, plays with, transforms, moves them to create a fantasy world of his own reality. He aims that upon entering our own homes, his objects will carry "the light and energy of their own past history..." Articles on the originality of his creations have appeared in the New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, the 2008 Tourist Guide of Louis Vuitton, etc. His artwork has been featured on television in France, Japan, and the Discovery Channel, in the U.S.A.

A space-divider / painting by Dimitris Koutelieris.

A corner of Dimitris Koutelieris workshop/showroom.

Dimitris Koutelieris in his workshop / showroom.