Popi Koutentaki 

PROFESSIONAL ARTIST

 Popi Koutentaki, originally from Crete, currently lives and works in the United Kingdom. Her artistic practice is characterized by dynamic lines and vibrant drops of color that fill the canvas, releasing forms that previously existed within. She uses the ancient medium of encaustic, melting wax, resin. At other times she uses oil and acrylic. When color is absent, black and white take center stage, emphasizing the strength of contrast—mirroring life, which is often full of colour yet sometimes starkly monochrome. Her work is rich in symbolism, with meanings that may be hidden or openly revealed, offering life lessons painted onto the canvas.

Her passion for art emerged at the age of four, and by ten, she was already drawing portraits. She pursued studies in Art and Design at Akron University. She gained experience in portrait painting under the guidance of artist Bill Kufahl. In Crete, she continued her artistic exploration independently, experimenting with various materials and techniques. She worked alongside Greek artist George Thomas Georgiades and learned the ancient crafts of loom weaving and metal embossing from artisans in Crete.

 Popi K furthered her studies in Art and Design at WCG Warwickshire College. She expanded her expertise at Malvern College, and at Royal Leamington Spa College, where she explored Art Therapy under Jane Sheuer.

Her work has been exhibited in Greece, the USA, France, Italy, and Cyprus and the UK. she has taught for many years, collaborated with fellow artists and municipalities to lead workshops, and created murals for both private and public spaces. She has also illustrated 16 children’s books and is currently developing her own Mandala project, as well as a children’s book focused on marine conservation.

POPI K is an active member of several art organizations, including the Warwickshire Open Studios, the Stratford-upon-Avon Art Society, the B50 Artist Collective, the SAA, Artist Rising Collective , is artist in residence at the Brook Arts Hub, Arty Avon group , and Artists of Luddington.