I was recently interviewed by the National Herald (Εθνικός Κήρυξ), but because the piece was published in Greek, I’m sharing an English translation for you. You can find the original article here.
How Ariadne Kritonos Turned Her Love of Greek Folk Art into a Successful Business
Connecticut, who has been passionate about Greek folk art for as long as she can remember—a passion that led her to turn her love of art into a full-time career.
Born and raised in Greece, having lived in London for a period before eventually settling in the United States, Ariadne Kritonos is a designer whose work is inspired by 18th and 19th century Greek folk art.
With the goal of bringing these treasures out of the archives and back into everyday use through her unique designs and products, she decided to establish her own art business seven years ago.
Although she now lives far from Greece, she acknowledges that working with Greek folk art can be quite challenging. Nevertheless, she hopes her work will inspire others and demonstrate that, despite distance or difficulties, there are always ways to remain closely connected to our Greek roots.
The National Herald (NH): What, or perhaps who, inspired you to become an artist and surface pattern designer?
Ariadne Kritonos: I don't think there was one particular person. Creating has always felt like the most natural way for me to express myself. I have always been drawn to colors, patterns, and symbolism, and design became the language through which I could bring those interests together.
NH: What are you best known for in your field?
Ariadne Kritonos: I am best known for creating contemporary products inspired by Greek folk art, particularly my silk scarves, which are based on motifs from 18th- and 19th-century Greek folk embroidery.
Every design begins with historical research and hand-drawn artwork before being transformed into something people can wear and enjoy every day.
Each scarf is produced in Soufli, in Northern Greece, at the country's oldest silk factory—a family business that has been operating for four generations—combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
NH: How old were you when you developed your love of creating?
Ariadne Kritonos: Artists often say they knew from childhood that they were creative, but I believe all children are naturally creative. The difference, perhaps, is that I never stopped.
Creating has always been part of who I am and, over time, has evolved into a business that allows me to share my love of Greek culture and design with people around the world.
NH: How many years have you been involved in art, and is it your primary occupation?
Ariadne Kritonos: Creativity has always been part of my life, but I established my art business seven years ago.
It grew from a desire to combine my background in art and design with my lifelong connection to Greek culture. Today, my work focuses on reimagining Greek folk art in ways that are both beautiful and meaningful.
NH: Why did you decide to create work based on Greek folk art?
Ariadne Kritonos: Greek folk art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.
I grew up dancing Greek folk dances, and later, while living in London, I became a dance teacher at the Lykion ton Hellinidon.
During those years, I discovered that the embroidery on traditional garments was not simply decorative—it was a visual language full of symbolism and meaning.
That discovery completely changed the way I viewed Greek folk art and inspired me to explore how its design principles could once again become part of contemporary life.
NH: Where did this interest in Greek folk art come from?
Ariadne Kritonos: The more I researched these motifs, the more I realized how much of our cultural heritage was embedded in them.
They reflected beliefs, hopes, identity, and wisdom, yet much of this knowledge has gradually been forgotten.
This inspired me to continue my research and contribute to establishing Greek folk design as a contemporary design language—a language that honors its roots while inspiring new creative work.
NH: What would you say is your goal as an artist and creator?
Ariadne Kritonos: My goal is to contribute to the preservation, celebration, and promotion of Greek folk art by reimagining it for today.
I want these extraordinary motifs to become part of everyday life again, as they once were, while also encouraging people to appreciate the history, craftsmanship, and stories behind them.
More broadly, I hope to help Greek folk art gain recognition as a distinct design discipline that will inspire future generations of artists and designers.
NH: What are some of the moments or achievements in your career that you are most proud of?
Ariadne Kritonos: Seeing people connect with Greek folk art in a new way is one of my greatest achievements.
Whether it is someone discovering the meaning behind a motif for the first time, someone wearing one of my silk scarves, or someone telling me they have developed a deeper appreciation for this aspect of Greek culture, these moments remind me why I do what I do.
I am also particularly proud that my scarves support Greece in more ways than one. They are designed around Greece's cultural heritage, made in Greece to support local manufacturing, and a portion of every sale is donated to nonprofit organizations that preserve Greek cultural heritage both in Greece and abroad.
NH: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Ariadne Kritonos: I believe design should do more than decorate our lives. It should express our values, tell our stories, and connect us with the people who came before us, as well as those who will come after us.
Above all, I believe traditional art forms do not belong only in museums—they deserve to remain part of everyday life.
If my work encourages someone to look more closely at Greek folk art, discover the stories behind it, or feel a deeper connection to Greece and its cultural heritage, then I have achieved what I set out to do.
To learn more about Ariadne Kritonos and her business, visit www.ariadnekritonos.com
