Meet the Artist | Maria Korompili
- Eleni Doulgeraki
- Mar 28
- 4 min read
Today, we’re speaking with Maria Korompili, the artist whose work is rooted in storytelling, memory, and a love for handmade creation. Growing up, she found comfort in drawing, writing, and making origami—small acts that still connect her to the purity of childhood
Deeply inspired by Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism, her work explores repetition, emotion, and transformation. Maria often uses recycled materials, breathing new life into paper scraps and packaging, turning them into delicate, thoughtful pieces.
Recently, she took part in Wasteland to Wonderland, a project that reflects her passion for sustainability and process. It was a pleasure working with Maria on this interview and having her as part of our exhibition. We’re excited to share her journey and creative world.
What inspired you to become an artist? Was there a defining moment or experience that set you on this path?
Since I was little, I have always found myself creating my own world. I would spend hours drawing my favorite characters, writing my own stories, and folding paper into intricate origami shapes. Through making art, I reconnect with the purity of childhood—a value I deeply cherish and never want to lose. Art fills me with gratitude for being alive. When I was 17, I made a bold decision to stop preparing for the Panhellenic exams and instead focus on pursuing my dream of getting into the Athens School of Fine Arts. I knew it would be difficult, almost impossible, but I was determined to try. It took me three years of hard work and dedication, but I made it. This remains my greatest achievement and the thing I am most proud of.
How has your artistic style or approach evolved over time, and what has influenced that evolution?
I never set out to develop a particular style—I simply enjoyed creating something that was entirely my own. In the beginning, I wasn’t even particularly good at it, but what mattered to me was the act of self-expression. Over time, I realized that constantly chasing the idea of a "masterpiece" made me feel inadequate, so I chose to let go of that pressure. Instead, I learned to embrace and appreciate the process of making art, and in doing so, I found reaL joy in it.
Are there any artists, movements, or personal experiences that have deeply influenced your work or philosophy as an artist?
I have always been drawn to the movements of Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism, as they resonate deeply with my artistic sensibilities. Some of my favorite artists include Vincent van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, Edvard Munch, William Turner, Claude Monet, and Helen Frankenthaler. The expressiveness and repetitive elements in their work have influenced my own artistic approach. I find great comfort in the process of creating, particularly through origami—it has a calming effect on me and makes me feel safe, as if I am momentarily suspended in a world of my own making.
Could you share a pivotal moment in your artistic journey — an experience or realization that significantly shaped your creative direction?
In my fourth year at the Athens School of Fine Arts, I joined Aggelos Antonopoulos’s A' Painting Studio. This was a turning point for me, as I began working systematically, producing numerous sketches and devoting significant time to origami. I developed the discipline of drawing every day, and Mr. Aggelos played an essential role in my artistic growth. His guidance and insightful advice helped me refine my work and learn how to present it in a more structured and impactful way.
What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how have they shaped your creative process?
Being an artist is a daily challenge, one that requires patience, resilience, and self-acceptance. At times, I felt an internal pressure to produce results frequently, and when I wasn’t able to, I would become discouraged. However, over time, I realized that progress is not always linear. Taking a break from my work does not mean stagnation—on the contrary, stepping away can sometimes offer fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of my own artistic process.
Can you tell us about your work featured in the Wasteland to Wonderland exhibition? Can you walk us through the inspiration and story behind these pieces?
My series Carnivorous Plants is created entirely from paper. I used paper towels that had absorbed the excess paint from my brushes and combined them with origami structures made from print paper. These origami forms were inspired by Pokémon, and by merging them with the stained paper towels, I created hybrid organisms that feel both organic and surreal.
If there’s one message or feeling you hope viewers take away from your work, what would it be?
Never waste paper—there is always a way to transform even the smallest scrap into something new and meaningful.
What did you enjoy most about participating in Wasteland to Wonderland? And how does sustainability intersect with your artistic practice and daily life?
I am incredibly excited to be part of Wasteland to Wonderland. It was a truly enriching and heartwarming experience, and I deeply enjoyed connecting with the participating artists and curators. I actively collect recycled materials, such as product packaging and paper scraps, with the intention of incorporating them into future projects. In the past, I even gathered silver and gold papers from cigarette packages to use in my origami creations.
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All Photographs Copyrights belong to the artist Maria Korompili
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