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Searching for Old Photos

2016 and another exciting year awaits me.  As always, I am anxious to meet new people to interview who were born in Cyprus between 1910 and 1950. I am also very keen to scan any old photos that were taken during that period. If you live in Melbourne and can help in any way please send me an email: conemmanuelle@talesofcyprus.com Together we can help preserve the stories of the past and pay tribute to this bygone era.continue reading →
Next Stop – Adelaide

Next Stop – Adelaide

Hello again. Great news! Tales of Cyprus is going to the Cyprus Festival in Adelaide, South Australia next month. Once again I will be exhibiting drawings, poster art and lots of old photos reproduced on large display panels. The panels will also contain the stories behind the photos. If you are living in Adelaide or fancy a trip to Adelaide, please pop in and say hello. The exhibition will take place at The Cyprus Community Centre - 6-8 Barrpowell Street, Welland, Adelaide S.A. Festival Date: Sunday 11 October from 10.30am til late.continue reading →
January Show Dates

January Show Dates

After an incredible response from the public I am pleased to announce the key dates for January 2015. This show closes on Sunday the 11th of January. The following flyer has more information. Please spread the word.   Here are a few more photos from the matinee Opening which took place on Saturday the 13th of December 2014continue reading →
Opening Night Success

Opening Night Success

Thank you to everyone who supported and attended my opening night on Tuesday the 9th of December. It was a huge success and I am so happy with the feedback I received. Looks like I better start preparing for a national tour and then a special showcase in Nicosia one day soon. The exhibition is on at Chapel off Chapel gallery in Prahran until the 20th of December and then again from the 5th – 11th of January. Onwards and Upwards.continue reading →
Before and After

Before and After

Here is my original graphite drawing of an old woman baking bread in a wood-fire oven. Here is the same  image after digital colour has been added. Only two months to go before the greatest event the Cypriot Community in Australia has seen for a very long time. The countdown has begun. So far, I have completed 12 pencil drawings, and I am currently working on the vintage colour posters (like the one shown above). I am also very busy designing and creating the large photographic displays that showcase all the wonderful old…continue reading →

Home Truth #9

  In this age of digital technology and the dreaded ‘selfie’ – the mystery, magic and wonder of photography may be all but lost. With the advent of ‘smart phones’ anybody can point and shoot and take countless happy snaps to record important milestones (or more often) – mundane moments in their life. Every waking moment can be captured on a tiny memory-card and unlike analogue technology such as negative film; the act of taking photos is instant and free. Through online sharing sites such as Instagram and Facebook – the proliferation of photos has…continue reading →

Home Truth #7

People used to worry more about surviving and less about their looks. It’s such a joy to meet people from a past era who have lived lives without the clutter and wastage of material objects and without being consumed with thoughts and feelings dogged by vanity or insecurity. This truth was confirmed to me by the many elderly Cypriots whom I interviewed over the last two years. These charming and humble individuals did not put-on any airs and graces. Nor did they display outlandish exhibitions of vanity or narcissism. These beautiful old souls…continue reading →

Home Truth #6

Before I begin, I’d like to clarify that although I believe that ‘knowledge is power’ – I sometimes wonder if we are bombarded with too much information. There is no disputing the fact that the 21st century is the most technologically advanced with regards to mass communication and mass media. We have access to more information about the state of the planet than ever before. I have always been alarmed at the rate of change and how electronic toys such as ‘smartphones’ have made it easier to access all sorts of information. Of course, there…continue reading →