Petros Marmarinos

Stone sculptor

©Stelios Papadopouios

Mad about marble

Petros is a fifth-generation marble sculptor
He has been running his workshop since 1995
He attended the School of Marble Art in Pyrgos

Originally from the island of Tinos, Petros Marmarinos has marble craftsmanship "in his DNA", as he says. The Greek sculptor perpetuates the ancient tradition of his native village, Pyrgos, and the enduring expertise of his family. Born and raised in an environment where marble is a living culture, Petros’ career has always been an obvious path. He opened his own workshop in 1995, where he has been working on his marble sculpture ever since. For creating refined objects of use or decoration, such as boats and doves, Petros carves the crystalline rock using age-old techniques, mostly dating back to antiquity. His poetic creations are mainly inspired by Cycladic civilization and the scenery of his native village.

Interview

©Stelios Papadopouios

©Stelios Papadopouios

Is your craft linked to your home region?: Yes, it is totally linked to Pyrgos, the small village I live in. Here, there are quarries of white, grey, green marble and a great tradition of sculpture. Great sculptors were born in Pyrgos and a lot of workshops are located here as well.
Do you remember the first object you made?: My first work was to engrave my initials on the road of my village, as all the children of the village used to do. It is a tradition for the children, but it is also a way of marking your first step into marble sculpture.
What do you love most about your profession?: The moment a work is finished. The communication with important people who love art. Sometimes my workshop is a meeting point which reminds me of the ancient Agora of Athens where interesting conversations took place and ideas were exchanged.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: It is something that comes from the past and continues in the present. The same forms, the same objects my ancestors used, are now made for a different reason, for a different use. The idea unites the tradition and innovation through marble.

Petros Marmarinos is a master artisan: he began his career in 1991 and he started teaching in 1997