there is Beauty in the Scars

When visiting Cyprus, there are four major cities: Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos. You are most likely to arrive in the Larnaca airport. You might get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Limassol or visiting the last divided capital in Nicosia. Nonetheless, nestled in the southwest side of the country lies Paphos.

Paphos is knowns for its Mediterranean coast, archaeological site, and harbor. My favorite place sits further inland: Old Town. Known not just for its restaurants and stores but for its people.

Tucked away on a little side street, you can find Art-telier: Crafts & Workshops by Niky and Stevy.

What started as a small shop ran out of Niky’s home has grown into its own storefront in Old Town. Entrepreneur, Niky works alongside her daughter, Stevy and granddaughter, Nicole. Not only are you able to witness creativity at work, but you can experience three generations worth of Greek Cypriot culture.

Sarah and I stumbled upon this storefront on the way to dinner. The first thing that will catch your eyes is the tables of artwork on display outside. Bowls made from terracotta, hand painted trays, and so much more. Don’t stay outside as there are more elaborate pieces inside. Niky and Stevy welcomed us into their store with open arms as we looked around. Inside, you’ll find their larger pieces such as hand-painted canvas, custom-made churches, and jewelry.

All photos taken by a member of our team

They began sharing with us that they also offered workshops where we could make our pieces underneath their guidance and instruction. We immediately signed up for their next class!

Upon arrival for our workshop, Niky welcomed us in with coffee and biscuits. Our first goal was to determine what we were going to create. Sarah chose a tray mold out of concrete while I settled on a bowl made of terracotta.

The process for my bowl required patience and a steady hand.

Step 1: roll out the terracotta clay. It felt similar to rolling out pie crust. Personally, it required two tries as my first attempt resulted in too thin a bowl.

Step 2: shape the clay into a bowl. We wrapped a mold in plastic to begin forming the clay. From there, I begin smoothing out the clay and building up the rim. We added additional clay to create a thicker lip around the bowl. Before continuing on, we left our pieces to dry.

The following day, we began the process first with a cup of coffee.

Step 3: Create the base. The portion included creating a ring and attaching it to the base of the bowl. To help piece them together, water and an adhesive were required. Niky assisted tremendously during this whole process as it required a gentle but firm hand. I was too nervous about the fragility of it while Niky’s experience allowed her to create with confidence.

After letting the bowl dry for a few days, we returned for Step 4: painting.

I chose a simple design. The inside had a golden sun in the center with the bowl’s rims also painted in gold. The exterior consisted of a black botanical pattern to enhance the terracotta. We allowed the paint to dry before sealing it with a clear coat.

While Sarah and I both walked away with piece of art, we walked with something greater: genuine friendships.

Niky and Stevy not only welcomed into their store but into their lives. We learned about Cypriot culture and how the turmoil between the northern and southern Cyprus has affected them personally. Niky, born in Northern Cyprus, has not be able to visit home since Turkey has occupied it.

How can such kind and generous people emerge from such brokenness? As Niky would say, there is beauty in the scars.