Barbara Spyrou, Artist, Painter

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The Greek-American Cultural Experiences pages profiles those who endeavor to share their Greek-American cultural experiences with the world. Although their opinions and views are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions and views of YaSas.com, we share a love for the culture of Greece. Go here if you have a Greek-American cultural experience to share and wish to be considered for a profile.

Barbara Spyrou - Artist, Painter

My name is Barbara Spyrou and I am a painter. I was born on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus in 1940. I came to the United States in 1966 after marrying my Greek-American husband. We have lived in the South Bay area ever since.

Always art was my interest and love and I took many art classes while working as an Administrative Secretary in the aerospace industry. When my son was born I decided to stay at home and raise him while all along I continued my pursuit in painting and drawing by attending El Camino College. After graduating from El Camino I was accepted and was transferred to the California State University, Long Beach pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. My dream was finally realized and now I am a full time artist with a BFA degree. My favorite medium is oil and although I love to paint many different subjects, the human figure continues to be my favorite however so very challenging.

A recurrent theme in my art work is the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 which resulted in the occupation of 40% of the island to this date. The Greek refugees of the northern Cyprus left their homes, which for hundreds of years belonged to their ancestors and ended up living in tents in the southern part of the island. This fact totally absorbs my interest as an artist and I created a lot of pieces as an homage to these refugees.

The painting of this old Cypriot house was inspired by the fact that it is located in the so called Green Zone of Nicosia, the capital of the island. This is a dead zone between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish military posts that divides the island. It is empty of inhabitants and its garden remains unattended in hopes that some day its owners might return.

Contact Barbara Spyrou at BarbaraSpyrousArt@yahoo.com.

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