• Athanasia Vayianou, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University
Athanasia was born in Limassol, Cyprus. The island’s politically charged history had an impact on everyone growing up there. Athanasia’s response was to develop an awareness and appreciation for family, history, and nature. Having taken art classes and creative studies all throughout her secondary school, art became a way for Athanasia to express herself. Moving to Canada and enrolling in university at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Athanasia discovered her love of art and history and a passion for metalsmithing. She is currently majoring in jewellery design and metalsmithing and will graduate in 2017.
“My work consists of elements from the many different aspects of my family history, childhood, and cultural heritage. I spent my formative years on the island of Cyprus, surrounded by the warm year-round sun, fragrant flowers, and the awareness of the island’s long and troubled history. Consequently, I blend various traditional techniques, such as carving, filigree, and enamel with my personal esthetic and historical motifs. This way, the viewer will encounter the amalgamation of Greek-Cypriot, Middle Eastern, and contemporary influences in my work. I primarily use silver and gemstones to make functional, beautiful, and wearable pieces of jewellery.”
