Writers International Edition

Katerina Solomou

From Ashes to Art: Katerina Solomou’s Creative Journey

Katerina Solomou was born in Germany and grew up in Thessaloniki, Greece. After graduating from a School of Accounting and Secretarial Support, she dedicated 27 years to working at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki before retiring.

Katerina pursued her passion for art by taking jewelry courses at the YMCA. She has participated in numerous group exhibitions, both domestically and internationally, and her artwork is characterized by vibrant, cheerful colors. Notably, one of her pieces, themed “Peace,” was gifted to the Greek Consulate in Paris.

Since childhood, Katerina has also expressed herself through poetry, with five of her poems included in the book Poetry: A Road to Dreaming Thessaloniki – Athens. As an amateur visual artist, Katerina utilized the quarantine period to explore her creativity with clay, eventually discovering a fascination with sculptural forms made from recyclable materials. Her hobby is not just an outlet for expression; it reflects her journey toward personal evolution and balanced living.

Katerina’s creations are deeply inspired by her experiences and emotions, aiming to stimulate the viewer’s senses. She actively participates as a designer in the annual fashion show organized by the Friends of the New Waterfront Thessaloniki, showcasing clothing made from recyclable materials. In 2021, she won first prize in the 11th World Art Competition commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution for her model featuring 12 figures made from recyclable materials, titled “The Oath at Agia Lavra,” inspired by Theodoros Vryzakis’ painting.

Additionally, Katerina contributed two works made from recyclable materials to the exhibition “War and Peace” organized by the Writers Capital Foundation. Her artistic contributions have also been published in the book Visual Arts Creators and Creations by M. Michalakis.

Currently residing in Thessaloniki, Katerina continues her artistic journey, primarily focusing on small-sized sculptural forms and alternative jewelry crafted from recyclable materials. She is driven by the mission to convey an important message, particularly to children whom she adores: that nothing goes to waste. Recycling, in her view, is a vital responsibility for each individual, essential for the planet’s salvation.

Katerina eloquently reflects on the destructive impact of forest fires, stating, “The fire in the forest brings a painful end to the fauna and flora. The sight of flames burning trees—the lungs of oxygen and crops—is atrocious. The heart-wrenching loss of birds, reptiles, and animals consumed by flames is devastating.” She emphasizes that forest fires have severe consequences for the environment, economy, society, and human health, leaving lasting scars in affected areas. Katerina advocates for institutional protection to ensure that burned lands are restored and not repurposed.

Yet, amidst the devastation, she finds hope in nature’s resilience: “It is promising that some seeds have life for many years, are resilient, and timidly sprout to regenerate burned areas.” Drawing inspiration from the mythical Phoenix, Katerina highlights the bird’s unique ability to rise from its ashes, symbolizing the power of humans to rejuvenate through challenges. “The Phoenix prompts us to spread our wings with artistic inspiration and emerge anew, shedding the ashes of our past,” she asserts.

In embracing the spirit of the Phoenix, Katerina Solomou invites us to transform our losses into opportunities for growth, encouraging a collective journey towards renewal and resilience.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *