Elpeace Artcrafts

When ''Imperfect'' finds the way to success , through a local's artist hands

 Interview with Lena of Elpeace Artcrafts: Embracing Imperfection and Creating Beauty from Concrete

I had the honor of meeting Lena, the talented artist behind Elpeace Artcrafts, in her warm and light-filled workshop in Deryneia. The space was filled with her creations—from sculptures of the female form to original cement lamps. I immediately felt the vibrancy and the stories hidden behind each piece. As we sat down, I couldn’t help but ask her about her journey, her philosophy, and the magic of working with cement.

Lazos: Lena, it's a great pleasure to be here in your studio. Your space is so unique and beautiful. Can you tell us a bit about how Elpeace Artcrafts began?

Lena: Thank you so much for the visit! Elpeace was born from the desire to create something meaningful. When my husband and I moved to Cyprus from Greece, we felt we wanted to create a space where art would live and breathe—not only in our hearts but also in our home. It started small, as a hobby, but gradually it grew and became something much bigger—a brand, a philosophy. The name "Elpeace" is a combination of my name and the Greek word "elpís", which means hope. It represents the hope that my work can inspire peace and calm, and that through art, we can embrace imperfection.

Lazos: That’s a beautiful story, and it really comes through in your work. I see so much passion in the concrete creations around us. What is it that draws you so deeply to this material?

Lena: Concrete is a material that’s usually seen as cold, hard, and industrial. But to me, it’s full of warmth and potential. I love that it’s raw, that it has texture and depth. When I work with concrete, I embrace the imperfections that arise naturally from the material. Every piece has its own story—a small crack, a rough surface—these are all part of the beauty. They remind me that nothing is perfect, and that’s something I deeply believe. The idea of “being imperfect” is the central theme of my work—every line, every surface, every piece tells a story, and that story is full of life and truth.

Lazos: I completely understand. There’s something very human about your pieces. It feels like each one has a life of its own. Can you walk us through the process of creating a piece?

Lena: The process is very intuitive. I start with an idea, but I don’t follow a strict plan. The beauty of working with concrete is that it evolves on its own. Sometimes a design ends up looking different than I first imagined—but that’s the magic of it. I work with my hands, I feel the material, shape it, and let it guide me. Each piece is different and carries a part of my journey, my emotions, and my thoughts in that moment. I try to let the process stay free, and that’s where the imperfections come in. They’re part of the story, part of the process, and in the end, they’re what make each piece unique.

Lazos: I think what makes your work even more special is that you embrace imperfection. It’s a powerful philosophy. Can you explain why “being imperfect” is so important to you?

Lena: It’s something I learned over time. At first, I tried to reach perfection, thinking that was the only way to create something valuable. But as I evolved as an artist, I realized that perfection is an illusion. Real beauty lies in the rawness, in the unexpected moments. It’s in the small imperfections that give something character. And in life, too, we’re not perfect—and that’s okay. We learn from our mistakes, from things that don’t go as planned. So, when I create, I want to remind people that it’s okay to embrace those little flaws—because they make us who we are.

Lazos: Your philosophy clearly shines through your work. How do you feel when people buy your pieces or leave comments? Is there a particular memory that touched you?

Elena: It’s always moving to hear feedback from people—especially the messages I get from people abroad who received gifts bought by their relatives while visiting Cyprus. The fact that people I’ve never met tell me how much they relate to my work—even to the cracks in the pieces, which have become my signature—that’s what makes all the hard work worth it. I want people to feel connected to the piece they buy, to see it not just as an object, but as something that brings warmth and character into their home. When someone appreciates the effort and the philosophy behind it, that’s the greatest reward for me.

Lazos: Your pieces have such a unique charm. How would you describe them to someone who has never seen your work before?

Lena: I’d say they’re more than just decorative items. They’re pieces that tell a story—pieces that invite you to embrace the beauty of imperfection. They’re designed to bring a sense of peace and calmness into your home, while also sparking conversations. I want people to look at my work and feel something—to wonder if the cracks were intentional, if they were accidents, or just reminders that there’s beauty in everything—even in what we usually overlook.

Lazos: It’s clear that your heart is fully invested in every piece you create. What’s next for you and Elpeace Artcrafts?

Lena: I’m always looking to evolve and experiment with new ideas. Right now, I’m focusing on creating more limited-edition pieces, introducing new textures and forms while staying true to the core philosophy of Elpeace. I also want to continue connecting with people—sharing the story behind each piece and, hopefully, inspiring more people to embrace the beauty of imperfection in both art and life.

Lazos: Where can people find you if not at your studio?

Lena: My greatest joy is attending handmade street markets & festivals held throughout the year in Cyprus. I try to go to as many as I can—though it’s a bit of a challenge because my parrot doesn’t take it well when I leave him home alone, and he makes sure to punish me by biting me and sulking for the rest of the day! Also, my little Toyota Aygo has definitely exceeded its limits—with limited space, I often joke on social media about stuffing it with boxes and supplies for the markets to the point where my husband (who is also my assistant, like it or not) nearly breaks down in tears every time we head out to a faraway event! But jokes aside, those events are the most beautiful part of this journey for me. I wouldn’t trade the personal contact and the connections I make with the people who visit my stall ,for anything. Their expressions as they gaze at my stall, their smiles, and the way they find themselves relating to the cracks in the concrete—this is the biggest validation that what I do is worth it. I’ve met so many beautiful souls and unique individuals through this, and the memories I’ve gained are priceless.

Lazos: That’s deeply moving. I hadn’t imagined that a simple market stall could carry so much emotion behind it. Thank you so much for opening up your world to us and giving us a glimpse through the eyes of the creator.

As our conversation came to a close, I felt an urge to hold each of her creations in my hands—to feel the weight of the cement, its rawness, and at the same time how fragile it can seem. Lena’s work isn’t just about crafting objects; it’s about crafting connections, embracing imperfection, and finding beauty in the unexpected. Visiting her studio felt like stepping into her world—a world where art isn’t just something to admire, but something to experience and feel. Elena’s creations are a true reflection of her soul, and through them, she invites us to embrace our own. Each piece carries a part of Elena’s heart and a reminder that, in art and in life, real beauty lies in imperfection.

Aside from the studio, which is currently under renovation, you can find Elpeace Artcrafts on social media as well as at many outdoor bazaars throughout the year.

@ELPEACEARTCRAFTS - FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM