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Art Greece Marina Kanavaki Music Podcast TTT Season 3

Season 3 Episode 29: Marina Kanavaki on Art Towards a Happy Day

Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia.

Thank you for listening in.

I am your host Rebecca Budd, and I look forward to sharing this moment with you.

Marina Kanavaki – Art Towards a Happy Day

I am thrilled that my blogger friend, artist, and musician, Marina Kanavaki, and I have bridged the distance between Athens and Vancouver to discuss how music and art bring joy and beauty to our lives. What would take 12 hours and 41 minutes flight time has take 12 sends by WIFI to join Marina and me on Tea Toast & Trivia.

Music was Marina’s first love. She would crawl up on the piano stool and put her ear on the keys to hear the sounds and their combinations.  Then painting came into Marina’s life, influenced by her father, who was an artist.  His guidance and strong support allowed her freedom to explore her creativity. I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia.

Thank you for joining Marina and me on Tea Toast & Trivia.

Marina’s Art Calendars

Marina’s artistic journey connects music, colour, and symbolism to reach deep into our hearts. Her love of animals and her commitment to animal rights is inspiring.  Marina reminds us that each of us has a creative journey to be explored.  It is not an easy undertaking, but if we embrace our creativity whether it be writing, poetry, music, dance – our lives with be richer, more fulfilling

A special thank you, Marina, for sharing your insights on how art and music brings happiness into our lives. 

I invite you to meet up with Marina on her blog Marina Kanavaki.  It is a place where music, colour, and symbolism reach deep into our hearts to ignite our desire to embrace a creative journey.

Until next time we meet, dear friends, keep safe, be well.

Marina Kanavaki on Art Towards a Happy Day – Tea. Toast. & Trivia.

Marina’s Art Exhibition: As Above so Below

By Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

91 replies on “Season 3 Episode 29: Marina Kanavaki on Art Towards a Happy Day”

I have really been looking forward to this session with Marina, and I was not disappointed. Marina is one of my favorite bloggers. I love her music, painting, and graphic arts. I could picture Marina erasing the lines and making her own art when she was a child when she was telling the story. I think it’s still a defining element of what she is today. I find it very difficult to find originality in a world that tends to be influenced by so many unoriginal people, but when I was introduced to Marina by Resa, I found Marina to be a complete breath of fresh air with her graphic arts, painting, and music that stands apart from others. I was fascinated by her descriptions of her youth, music, and art school. She has so much experience and has experienced so much. I think that’s how she can appreciate a wide range of musical genres and styles and movements in art and be original with her music, painting, and graphic arts. This was a wonderful episode. Thank you, Marina. Thank you, Rebecca.

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Thank you so much for your brilliant comments. I agree with you wholeheartedly, Tim. I have Marina’s “As Above So Below” calendar which is now kept very safe close by my computer. Each month offers a painting that invigorates each day I look at it. When you have art close by, it provides balance and tranquility. That is what I felt with Marina’s calendar. I especially appreciated Marina’s understanding of the creative journey, of how kindness is essential and how her generosity of spirit was infused in her art and music. I’m looking forward to her return visit. We belong with an amazing community.

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My dear friend, how do I respond to such a heartwarming and super flattering comment… really…
I am speechless, overwhelmed and deeply moved.
Rebecca is a wonderful host [as you already know] and I was overjoyed we finally met and had this conversation.
Thank you so very much, Tim.
I will confess that I still erase the lines! 😉

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It was such a pleasure listening to both of you in this interview. I too share Marina’s passion for listening to music while writing. I also find her opinions so refreshing, as it’s something I value as well. Thank you, Rebecca, for your presentation – you have a rare gift for that! Jo

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I am thrilled that you listened in, Jo! Art and music have a mystical connection that ignites creativity. I am interested that you listen to music while writing. Usually I write in silence, but I will now be exploring music as I write. Would you ever consider meeting up for a conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia. Let me know! Sending hugs to you and Carina!!

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I couldn’t agree more, my dear Jo, about Rebecca’s rare gift. She’s a true gem and I consider myself extremely fortunate knowing her! I’m so happy you enjoyed our conversation. Thank you very much! 🙏

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My dearest Rebecca, I am truly honored and overjoyed we had this conversation. I can’t thank you enough for all the work, joy and mainly love you put in these conversations. I don’t find it easy speaking publicly but you [and Don] really made me feel at home! Overwhelmed and moved beyond words. Thank you, my dearest friend, from my heart.
A huge hug from across the ocean and LOVE.

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Don and I had a wonderful time connecting over the miles. 🤗🤗🤗As I was listening to our discussion once more before publishing, I was inspired by your enthusiasm for life, for art, for creativity, for kindness. I confess, I felt the tears come with your last words of encouragement. I am beyond thrilled that you are willing to come back for another podcast. Sending back many hug an lots of love across the oceans. ❤️❤️❤️

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It is YOUR love for life and art that shines through everything you do, my kindest friend and I’ll say it again, I’m forever grateful… and looking forward to our next meeting! 😉
Many more hugs and love to you and Don.

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I am delighted that you listened in, Trent. Very much appreciated. Marina had a profound understanding of art at a young age. What was truly heartening was that her father recognized her genius and was able to respond to the concerns of Marina’s teacher, who was trying to help but simply didn’t understand Marina’s artistic ability.

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Considering that the teachers back then for 5-8yrs were the same for all school subjects, you can’t exactly blame her! Not to mention that art [and astronomy, which I also loved!] were often substituted by maths, geometry etc!

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Thank you very much, Trent! Rebecca is an amazing host who’s beauty and kindness shines through everything she does!
As I said to Tim, I still do! To this day I haven’t been able to use a preset image / photo etc for a painting! 😉

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Rebecca, I want to congratulate you and Marina on your most informative and enjoyable interview. My long term friend Marina also dates back to, if memory serves, 2011 and the very first blogger exchange with whom corresponded. How wonderful and informative your interview, as all your interviews, Rebecca, learning about Marina’s background and early life of which I had sparse knowledge. I consider this a gift much as Marina’s artistic contributions are to our needy world, in her art and music, hers and her and her partner. Thank you my dear friend for starting my day with this wonderful interview and for the opportunity of hearing the beautiful voice of long time and also dear friend Marina. Much love ❤️ and affection to you both, favorite ladies , Until a next occasion, I remain a most definite admirer of you both, Jean-Jacques

>

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2011 was a great year for friendships. That was when I first visited your blog, Jean-Jacques. I am delighted you listened in to this wonderful conversation. The sound of a person’s voice is heartening, isn’t it? I share your thought that learning about Marina’s background and early life is a gift. We live in a complex world that needs and responds to music, art, generosity and kindness. Sending thanks and hugs across the Rockies and prairies to you and Marianne!

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A most definite admirer of you too, my dear Jean-Jacques, yes, since 2011. I have this strange feeling that it was just yesterday and at the same time we know each other much much longer. As with Rebecca with whom I feel we’re connected a lifetime! I’m so happy you enjoyed our conversation, my dear friend and appreciate your kind words very much! Until a next occasion!

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Fabulous podcast Rebecca and Marina
I fell in love with Marina first time I saw her blog.
I adore her art, and own pieces I’ve bought from S6and and her calendars. The year eventually passes, but the art remains.
Thanks to Marina’s gifts I am the proud owner of 2 Atom Flowers originals and 2 MKO albums.
Sometimes I listen to MKO when I work on my Art Gowns, sometimes I listen an oldies Rock & Blues Station and sometimes I listen to Charlotte Hoather. It’s a full range of emotions and sounds. MKO is totally unique!
As Marina says in the podcast, creativity feeds creativity.
However, as a vegetarian since my teen years, it was her side bar that snagged a piece of my heart in an urgent way.
Her love of animals is my love of animals. I could never eat one, and here was a kindred spirit.
I just had to be her friend!
Although choosing to adopt a largely plant based diet has become recently popular (hopefully not just a trend), I was always the only veggie in the room. Now, on line, I am not alone. It’s interesting that many creative people are veggies.

Okay guys…. wonderful podcast! {{{HUGS}}} all around!

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My dear friend, you have the best comments that hold wisdom and a splash of humour. I especially liked your “I just had to be her friend!” I know exactly what you mean, Resa. When I was organizing the post, I had a very difficult time deciding on the pages to add and links to include from Marina’s blog. Marina’s breadth and depth of artistic endeavour is remarkable from music to art, to photography to animal rights. I had goosebumps when she said that kindness was essential for creativity. We belong to a compassionate community and that gives me great comfort. Sending many many hugs! Here’s to art towards a happy day.

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I received your Van Gogh video, Resa. Don and watched it several times and felt that uncanny sensation that both the eyes and face were following us from the iPad screen. YIKES! Isn’t it amazing that we can take videos on the go…

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Oh, I agree about her wisdom and a splash of humour, Rebecca and yes, I am grateful to that sidebar! 😉 I believe that kindness should be inherent in our every thought / action, so being part of this compassionate community is a blessing to me too.

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A ha haa…. I’m proud of that sidebar, my sweet friend, all the more that it ignited our friendship! 😉
Because of Rebecca’s wonderful podcasts, I heard your voice after so many years of knowing you! She is right, it is heartening!
10 years now, we are taking a journey together. What a blessing that is!
Thank you for your kindness and love, my super talented friend!
Love and many many hugs to you!

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XOXOXOXOXOXO
XOXOXOXOXOXO
10 years! I thought I looked older. 🙃
Rebecca’s podcasts have presented many of our blogging community’s voices!
It’s a wonderful thing!

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Thank you, Resa. Voices have an emotional nuance that goes deep into our souls. I was reading about storytelling and how hearing the voice of a narrator taps into sense memories of happy experiences. When we hear the voice of a friend over a phone we know immediately that we are connected. Thank you Resa and Marina for sharing your marvelous voices. It has been an honour to have you as guests.

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Agree! …. about Rebecca!
Getting younger…hmmm, yes sometimes I feel quite young, but I have been growing out my grey hair over the lockdowns.

Do you know the 80’s comedy tv show “Golden Girls”?
Dorothy, the sensible one is a substitute teacher.
Rose is sweet and daft.
Blanche is eternally young and sexy.

Dorothy is filling in at a university. She makes friends with a group of young women. They have such a good time, Dorothy tells Rose and Blanche she felt like she was 21, as she walked to her car.
Then she says – but when I went to adjust the rear view mirror, there was this old lady staring back at me.

Rose gasps in horror and shouts – Who was it?
xoxoxoxoxo

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A ha ha haaaaaaaa…… I know the show!!!!!! Whenever this happens to me I ignore the stranger!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Gray is the new trend!!! 😉
…and to think that for years I was dying white streaks on my hair! Now I’ve got them for free!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

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Rebecca, a VERY enjoyable and engaging and inspiring conversation about creativity (and more) with the amazingly creative Marina. As other commenters have also said, I greatly admire people who draw outside the lines — literally and figuratively.

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Thank goodness for outliers! What I appreciated most was Marina’s father’s insight into how to support and encourage her creative spirit and how to respond to well meaning educators who were concerned. I am so glad that you listened in Dave – I knew that you would enjoy this conversation.

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This was a truly amazing conversation. People like Marina, literally born with genuine talent, are few far between. It was rather like listening to an interview with Mozart. It was lovely to hear about her hugely successful relationship with a partner who sounds like her other half. And apart from all that, what a nice woman she is – as well as a hugely talented one.

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Paul – thank you for listening and and for your lovely comments. Marina’s answer to my question on whether she chose art or music, her answer that she embraced both was an ah-ha moment for me. We always think that choice means one thing over another. But why not chose both?

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Ah, I’m so happy you enjoyed our conversation with Rebecca, Paul and blushing to your extremely flattering words! Thank you very much! It was a wonderful experience speaking with Rebecca after knowing her for so long. She is a true gem.

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I am delighted that you listened in and that you connected, Ashley. It was so much fun to meet up with Marina. Grateful to those who brought us the technology that linked Athens and Vancouver in a matter of seconds.

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I am so glad that you joined the party, Teagan. It was wonderful to meet up with Marina. Her diversity of creativity made it difficult for me to decide what links I would add to the post. Sending many hugs back on the wing. 🤗🤗🤗

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Hi Rebecca I am delighted to meet Marina and learn about her art and music. Marina’s childhood story about her childhood made me smile; I have a few similar stories about the clash between conservative teachers and exuberant creativity. I appreciated Marina’s comment about creativity being a part of her heart and soul rather than a pathway to happiness.

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I liked that thought, too, Robbie. I can imagine your discussions with conservative teachers. Would love to have been a fly on the wall. The creative process has many layers of complexity, which I have come to appreciate but not fully understand. Have you read any of Ken Robinson’s books? Here is a thought that resonated with me: “Creativity is as important now in education as literacy and we should treat it with the same status” Sir Ken Robinson

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Robbie, thank you so much for listening in and for your kind words.
It is true for me. I am not seeking for happiness with art. It is something I can’t do without and though at times it may follow dark paths, it fulfills me. One could call that happiness 😉! I’d love to hear your childhood stories!

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It was a joy listening to Marina’s artistic journey and a double pleasure to hear you both in conversation. You two are my dearest blogging friends, and I’ll never forget when you introduced Marina’s exhibition to the world. We’ve been connected through her 2020 calendar as well; it’s still up on my wall. Marina’s generosity and kindness are a daily blessing of friendship, and her virtual tours through the world of important artists is without equal in our creative community. She has the musical voice of an angel, and I have a hard time keeping up with her and Oannes’ featured musical artists of the day. She is a true creative, and her classical training in both fields is so very apparent. Much love for and gratitude to both of you. I look forward to hearing another conversation!

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Thank you for your profound words of friendship, Mary Jo. I agree, Marina’s generosity and kindness sprinkle our community with a blanket of positivity. How wonderful to know that you have the same calendar as I do and that it is still hanging on the wall. Much love and many hugs coming back your way.

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Oh, I’m so grateful to Rebecca for connecting us Mary Jo and now I find myself speechless at your kindess!!
Thank you so much for your super flattering words! I really do not know where to hide from blushing! 😊😊😊
I’m overjoyed and overwhelmed by both your friendship. Sending my warmest hugs and then more!
❤🤗❤🤗❤

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I commented on this in another place, but when I read it again today, I enjoyed it all over it again. I am impressed with her father and her relationship with him and just how much he encouraged her. It is interesting how much her relationship with music and art enlarged the experiences of her life. Her life experiences, like the sunrise and other life events have influenced her art and music. Her advice to let our experiences and journeys inspire our writings is valuable . I am looking forward to the coming conversation about animals and their rights. Thank you to the two of you for this valuable conversation.

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I am delighted that you enjoyed the conversation a second time, Frances. I enjoyed meeting up with Marina and am looking forward to the next conversation. It felt like we were in the same room together.

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Ah, thank YOU so much for listening, dear Frances and very happy you enjoyed it. Speaking with Rebecca was a wonderful experience. She is the sweetest, kindest friend. A true gem. It is obvious where she takes it from! 😉
🤗

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Frances has been my most loyal support over the years. I remember her having a discussion with my high school science teacher on science much the same as your father had with your teacher on art.

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Such a wonderful interview, Marina. Media can be a gift. You’ve managed to create a visual for us with your words.
I adore the sound of your voice. It’s gentle as I imagined you to be. Your peacefully tender tones in your words are
captivating. You are a truly creative being. It’s been a pleasure to follow you throughout the years I’ve been blogging.
May you continue to express your inner calm with us for many, many years to come. 😍 ❤️😊 Namaste 🙏🏻
Isadora 😎

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Ah, my dearest Isadora, so happy you listened in and thank you so much for your sweet and kind comment. I was thrilled that Rebecca [and Don] were able to bridge our distance so we could have that conversation. She is a true gem. That same compliment about inner calm goes to you too, my dear friend! Namaste! 🙏❤️🙏

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How fascinating to get to know Marina better and learn more about her amazing artistic talent. I love her creative proclivities and her “painting outside the lines” on so many levels. How wonderful to have a family that support her interests and abilities. I love her independence. And her blog is beautiful. I’m glad she’s sharing her work with the world. ❤ Thanks you Marina and Rebecca for the lovely and inspiring conversation.

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I am delighted that you joined the party, Diana. The choice of links to include in the post was a difficult decision, indeed. I too am glad that Marina is sharing her work with the world. Sending hugs your way!!

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Thank you so much, Diana for listening in and for your kind words. Needless to mention what a rare gem Rebecca is, as you already know, first hand. Having this conversation with her was a joy! Hugs, from me too! 🤗🙏

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I am delighted that you connected with Marina, Liz. I know you will be inspired by her posts – music, art, photography all come together to create a space that welcomes us all.

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Awww…. thank you so much, Liz!!!! That is a precious compliment! You’ve already had the experience of having a conversation with Rebecca, so you know what a joy it is speaking with her! To me, a great honor.

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Very impressive interview. Sounds like Rebecca works for CBC or something! 🙂 As for Marina, I think we all know what a gem she is. When I’m working on my humble music pieces or writing my reviews, she occasionally comes to mind. Whether we’re really ‘connecting’ during those moments or whether it’s just one of those things, I’m not sure. But I often think in a kind of holistic, inarticulate way… “Oh, I wonder what Marina would think of this…” An influence to be sure! 🙂

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I am delighted that you listened in, Michael and that you joined the conversation. Your heartwarming and encouraging words are very much appreciated. I believe in journeys, which are made meaningful by the kindred spirits that serendipity directs to our doorsteps. Marina brings us music, art and photography, but her greatest gift is the compassion that she offers to all she meets.

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Yes, nicely put! Along the way I’ve met several so-called “second-self” individuals. People who just seem to get you and not much talk is required. The vast majority use that ability to encourage… always tipping the scales in favor of, to use the Greek term, agape. 🙂

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