Maria Gonidou

Weaver

©Terzi Alkistis_Maria Gonidou

Reviving a forgotten craft

Maria is specialised in traditional Greek weaving techniques
She has a background in History of Art
Her work has been exhibited in Greece and Europe

Since 1987, Maria Gonidou has been perfecting her weaving mastery. In her workshop in Nafplio, Peloponnese, Maria works on an ancient wooden loom mixing traditional techniques from all over Greece to create timeless fabrics. From fine textiles, she designs unique collections of scarves and ties. It was after a hands-on experience at the Museum of Folk Art and Tradition Aggeliki Hatzimichali, where she learned traditional weaving techniques, that Maria fully embraced the craft. Her studies in Athens allowed her to acquire a wider knowledge and to specialise in various methods such as tapestry and rug making. Poetry, antique sculpture, the sunlight in her atelier and happy people are Maria’s daily source of inspiration.

Interview

©Terzi Alkistis_Maria Gonidou

©Terzi Alkistis_Maria Gonidou

When did you decide to work with textiles?: Seeing many tapestry exhibitions growing up in Athens had a real influence, as were the exhibitions of traditional Greek textiles. It made me think about the uniqueness of fabrics and how I could fit with my time and temperament.
Why did you choose to focus on weaving?: My training in classical studies and in History of Art strengthened my choice for weaving. I was interested in creating with my hands, touching materials that man has always used to weave clothes or fabrics that would adorn spaces.
How do you express both tradition and innovation in your work?: Tradition is expressed through my tool, the loom, and the traditional techniques. It is also expressed through cultural memory; the way they used to weave in the past. I carry this into my work and together with new materials and designs I create new projects.
What do you like most about your profession?: I like that I brought into the light again a forgotten art in my country and people are happy to see it come to life before their eyes. They are happy to wear a special woven fabric. And of course, I love that I can make a living from this wonderful art.

Maria Gonidou is a master artisan: she began her career in 1984 and she started teaching in 2000