MELISSINOS ART – THE POET SANDAL MAKER TO THE STARS
Pantelis Melissinos, known as “The Poet Sandal Maker to the Stars” was born into the historic and culturally rich Melissinos family, where artistry and tradition ran deep. His journey began amidst the vibrant backdrop of Athens, shaping his unique artistic vision that now adorns the feet of celebrities worldwide.
From Classical Roots to Modern Expressions
From an early age, Pantelis immersed himself in classical arts, blending art, piano, poetry, and theater—a homage to his family’s heritage. This foundation propelled him to explore new horizons in the heart of Manhattan, where he honed his art talent at Parsons School of Design and eventually became a beacon of artistic innovation at the Greek Cultural Center of New York, as its Art Director.
Crafting Art with Every Step
Pantelis Melissinos’ bespoke leather sandals are more than footwear—they embody a journey. Each pair, meticulously crafted in his Athens workshop, carries the essence of classical design infused with modern flair. Worn by icons like Sarah Jessica Parker and adorned with his own artistic motifs, these sandals traverse continents while he remains rooted in Athens, reminiscent of a modern-day Socrates.
The Workshop: Where Art Meets Life
At his workshop near the Acropolis, Pantelis Melissinos cultivates a space where art transcends boundaries. It serves as a nexus of poetry, music, theater, and of course, sandals—each pair a testament to craftsmanship and creativity. Here, classic and contemporary designs coalesce, ensuring that every creation is a bespoke masterpiece that “puts art on your feet.”
Icon of Creativity and Cultural Fusion
Pantelis Melissinos is not just a sandal maker; he is a luminary of artistic expression. Featured in esteemed publications like the New York Times and CNN, he is celebrated globally as The Poet Sandal Maker to the Stars. His talents extend beyond footwear, encompassing set and costume design for ancient Greek theater, as well as exhibitions of his vibrant paintings that blend mythological narratives with universal themes of life and love.
Art as Life: The Melissinos Philosophy
Every creation by Pantelis Melissinos is a symphony of colors, textures, and narratives that celebrate the essence of life itself. From sketches and paintings to wearable art and poetry, each piece reflects his philosophy—an inclusive stage where heroes are watermelons, chairs, or the written word. His art is a testament to the human experience, capturing the emotions and stories that resonate universally.
Poetry, Comedy, and Musical Revelry
In Pantelis Melissinos’ world, art knows no bounds. His poetry, often philosophical and narrative, echoes the tales painted on his canvases. Comedies and music flow from his pen, each production a dialogue with his audience. As he continues to evolve, poetry remains his steadfast companion, enriching his artistic legacy with every verse.
DICTIONARY OF GREEK ARTISTS
Volume 3 16-20th Century:
“…In his art work the ancient myths deal with contemporary anxieties and are depicted in a visual language that combines ancient “primitive”, expressionistic and sometimes surrealistic elements in a different “tonal key”. His 3-dimensional paintings are in a way “set designs” where dynamic forms and brilliant color juxtapositions envelope his leading mythological figure or scene, which gets its meaning from a personal iconography and symbolism…”
Helena Haimalidou
Art Historian
MELISSA PUBLICATIONS
BORN:16-01-1959, Athens -Greece.STUDIES:
- PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN/
- BFA /ILLUSTRATION (1987)
- MFA /PAINTING (1989).
WORK EXPERIENCE:
- GREEK CULTURAL CENTER, New York, USA / Art Teacher (1985-1986) Set & Costume Designer (1986-1987) /Artistic Director (1988-1989).
- HARMER JOHNSON BOOKS & ANTIQUITIES, New York, USA (1989-1990)
- HELEXPO Set Designer of the 33rd International Song Festival of Thessalonica (1994).
- KASTALIA/ ANCIENT DRAMA GROUP Set & Costume Designer (1995 to date)
- NET 2 (National Television of Greece) Set Designer of “AVLAEA” (A show about the history of Greek pop music 1993 -1994).
P. Melissinos is currently working as a painter, a set & costume designer and an interior decorator.
His artwork has been shown in numerous one man and group shows, as well as on the Internet (LAMBRAKIS FOUNDATION/ internet ART Site), on TV talk shows ASAHI /Japan, MEGA CHANNEL, ANTENNA, SEVEN X, NET 1, NET 2. etc. Several magazine and newspaper journalists have also interviewed him about his artwork (CLICK, FLASH, DIVA, THE ATHENIAN, ELEUTHEROTYPIA, APOGEUMATINE, MAISON ET DECORATION, EXODOS, NITRO, PROINE of N.Y., ETHNIKOS KERYX (N.Y.), TA NEA, TO VEMA etc.).
His paintings can be found in private collections in New York, Hartford, Ohio, Philadelphia, Boston, London, Tokyo, Paris and Athens.ONE MAN’S SHOW (SELECTED)
- 2001: Diana Gallery, Athens.
- 1998: Olga Georgantea Gallery, Athens.
- 1992: Tempo 2000 Gallery, Athens.
- 1991: Olga Georgantea Gallery, Athens.
- 1986: Greek Cultural Center, New York.
GROUP SHOWS (SELECTED)
- 2001: “Art to Use”, DIANA – YIULIA GALLERY, Athens.
- 1999:
- “Millennium Art Sale 2000”, DIANA –
- YIULIA GALLERY, Athens.
- “Senses, Obsessions & Illusions”, GAZI, Municipality of Athens, Athens.
- 1998:
- “Expanding the Possibilities”, Hewlett Packard, GAZI, Municipality of Athens.
- “Red Cross Art Show”, RED CROSS, Athens.
- “Trash Art”, GAZI, Municipality of Athens.
- HEOS GALLERY, Athens.
- THRYALIS GALLERY, Patra.
- “17 Planetary Recipes”, AETHOUSA TECHNIS NAUPLIOU, Nauplion
- 1997: “Forty Greek Artists Support The Doctors Without Frontiers” -MELINA MERKURI CULTURAL CENTER –Athens.
- 1996: “Cheap Art Show-96”, CHEAP ART, Athens.
- 1995: “Cheap Art Show-95”, CHEAP ART, Athens.
- 1985:
- SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS, New York, USA.
- PARSONS, New York, USA.
- 1981: EGNER ART GALLERY, Ohio, USA.
OTHER ACTIVITIES & STUDIESP. Melissinos has also studied music at the “ODEION ATHENON” and is the writer of five plays:
- “MAESTRO FARSHAS” A comedy staged at PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN –1985.
- “PRINCE GLUTONIUS” A comedy staged at PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN –1986.
- “THE ART DEALER” A comedy staged at PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN –1987
- “BACCHUS” A comedy staged in the AMPHI-THEATER OF SETTA, in Central Euboia /summer- 2001 & summer -2002. “BACCHUS” was also performed in the BLACK BOX THEATER of the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF GREECE
- “THE VAIN CHRISTMAS TREE” A comedy written for the Christmas activities of The PHILOPROODOS OMILOS HYMETTOU, Athens, 2002-03
- “DESERT WINE”, Lyrics: Stavros & Pantelis Melissinos. Music by Pantelis Melissinos, (1991) “BACCHUS” the music of the above-mentioned play, (2001).
Theater
- “MAESTRO FARSHAS” A comedy staged at PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN –1985.
- “PRINCE GLUTONIUS” A comedy staged at PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN –1986.
- “THE ART DEALER” A comedy staged at PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN –1987
- “BACCHUS” A comedy staged in the AMPHI-THEATER OF SETTA, in Central Euboia /summer- 2001 & summer -2002. “BACCHUS” was also performed in the BLACK BOX THEATER of the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF GREECE
- “THE VAIN CHRISTMAS TREE” A comedy written for the Christmas
Art
Every single painting by Melissinos seems like a stage where Greek mythology, and The Theatre Of The Absurd meet with Latin American or African performers to tell stories or sing passionate songs about happiness, sorrows and loves lost or found. They relate the exploits of legendary or unknown -but nevertheless- very important heroes or heroines. Some times the protagonist is a slice of watermelon, a chair, a table, a cactus, a palm tree, some written words and so on… everyone and everything gets an equal opportunity on the Melissinos “stage”. They are all important because they are all part of life. And Life is what his art is about. The colors, the sounds, the scents, the six senses and the feelings of life are all present all the time.
The range of Melissinos’ art varies from sketches and drawings to paintings on canvas or three-dimensional painted assemblages, jewelry, wearable art, poetry, plays, as well as set and costume design. He also writes music and lyrics for the plays he writes and which he produces whenever his need to communicate with a live audience is urgent.
“…In his art work the ancient myths deal with conteporary anxieties and are depicted in a visual language that combines ancient “primitive”, expressionistic and sometimes surealistic ellements in a different “tonal key”. His 3-dimentional paintings are in a way “set designs” where dynamic forms and brilliant color juxtapositions envelope his leading mythological figure or scene, which gets its meaning from a personal econography and symbolism…”
Helen Haimalidou
Dictionary of Greek Artists
Volume 3 16-20th Century
Melissa Publications
