A few months ago I got a call from Lina Stefanou to discuss the upcoming issue dedicated to Patmos. They had told her I was the right person to talk to. She asked me to write about food, but not a boring article, she wanted something different, something special.
Life works in mysterious ways and how our past and present are linked- I find the past (and past versions of ourselves) a great source of inspiration. A few years ago I had this idea for a book which I wanted to do in Patmos. To photograph the kitchens of different houses, with their owners and every person would give a recipe. However this meant I had to stay in patmos for a long period of time so i put the project on hold to do it later on in my life. But what a better opportunity to do a short version of this vision for Nomas.
Patmos holds the title of a ‘’cosmopolitan’’ place, but in the way, cosmopolitan was perceived in the 1970’s. The word “cosmopolitan” is often used in a vernacular sense to refer to places where people of various ethnic, cultural and/or religious backgrounds live nearby and interact with each other, diverging from the strict definition of the concept. For me, Patmos has always been my safe place due to her captivating energy and ageless topographic landscape, incomparable to any other place. The uniqueness of this island lies upon the diversity of people from around the world that have found a home here, either permanently or as an escape. The stories about how each person came here and what made them stay is a very personal matter, especially when a new life has started here.
So ‘TABLE TALK: FACES, KITCHENS & FOOD STORIES’ was born. The article takes on 3 poles of interest which are interconnected. First, the architecture, specifically each kitchen as a typology and a sacred place in every household. Secondly, people and their untold stories and finally, ingredients and food and how it has evolved and adapted through the personal experience, memories and cultural traits of every individual. You will find the stories of 6 people plus myself. I am very happy to be able to share my kitchen in Patmos and write about my relationship to food.
A huge thanks to Ifigeneia @teapotgr who captured every moment perfectly and put so much love and emotions in her work, and her lovely shot that made the cover. But also @lina_stefanou and @yannisbournias for trusting me and assisting me.
You will find the unique photographs of @sarnitzsabina @teapotgr @renehabermacher @aerobot2001 @dimosthenisgrivas @alexis.vasilikos and @yannisbournias that narrate their own stories.
© All photos courtesy of Ifigeneia Filopoulou
