Interview with Stamatina Tambaki: «Kythira never gives itself away!»

She’s the “girl next door.” Or more accurately, the girl from the “window next door,” from which little snapshots of life pop up—the way you live them, the way you’d like to live them, or perhaps even the way you’d prefer to avoid living them.

I recognized her as the finishing touch to a good morning’s smile. I recognized it in the fleeting movement of isolated moments that escape the attention of the masses, yet always manage to be imprinted on the collective consciousness as an experiential achievement.

I honestly don’t know who Stamatina Tambaki is. She feels so familiar, like the first sensation of a mother’s embrace. Yet so elusive, like the dream she herself pursues: «My purpose in life is Kythira. The Kythira that never surrenders itself to you. That’s exactly why I stay here. So that I may conquer it, someday,» she confides with a tone that’s so sweetly conspiratorial. Not at all suspicious, but consciously pure. Like a shamanic premonition that escapes the narrow confines of time and invites you to “feel” it in the next moment. In the next tone. That’s where we’ll always find it. Leading the way. Taking the lead. Telling the story. Because all of this comes together to form the portrait of the “girl from Kythira” with a camera in her hand and a theatrical sparkle in her eyes.

In her interview with Kythera.News, Tina spoke to us about many fascinating topics. She discussed her childhood in Piraeus, Kythera, and the western neighborhoods of Athens; her move to the island; her professional background; her involvement with photography; Mylopotamos and Sempreviva Clothes and Accessories, this year’s tourist traffic on the island, the Tsirigotes and their mystical love for their homeland, the non-Kythirians who’ve put down roots here, her hobbies, social media, bullying, her interest in community affairs, her daughter whom she loves so much, and the new addition to the family who is expected to make quite a splash…

Kythera.News would like to thank Stamatina Tambaki for responding to our call and wishes her health, happiness, beauty, and truth in her life.

Here is the interview:

• Tina, would you like to introduce yourself? Tell us a little about your life—where it began, how it’s unfolded, and what you’ve been up to.

As a child, I spent the early years of my life between Piraeus and Kythira. Later, during my teenage years, I lived for a few years in the western suburbs of Athens until I moved permanently to the island at age 22, by which time I had already become a mother to a one-year-old daughter.

It was a life-changing decision, a conscious choice, so that my child could grow up in an environment that I have always loved.

So here I’ve been involved in a wide range of activities, because I’ve always been a person with many interests. From a young age, I’ve always been interested in the field of social welfare, particularly as it relates to people with disabilities, but I never had the time to complete my studies in this field because I was focused on raising my child.

I worked at the Kythira Citizens’ Service Center (KEP), in the Kythira Municipal Registry Office, at the Kythira Foundation for Culture and Development, at the Kythira Conservatory, mostly in the hotel industry, at one of the largest hotels on the island, run by a fellow Greek living in Australia, in the restaurant industry, and more broadly in the tourism sector. In recent years, I’ve been working at Sempreviva Clothes and Accessories in my village, Mylopotamos. And, of course, I spend quite a bit of time—as much as my other commitments allow—on photography.

• Your flamboyant bio is quite interesting. For me, though—and from what I know of you—the girl with red hair and a camera in hand always comes to mind first. Is photography really that high on your list of interests?;

Very much. I love it. I love photography because it will always be a way to freeze time.

• Tell us about your experience as a photojournalist. How did it all start? What inspires you to take photos?;

I am inspired by everything related to our island. I worked with your predecessor—and others—at Kythera News, the late Mr. Antonis Lambrinidis, to whom I would send articles and photos from wherever I happened to be. Events, conferences, children’s events, sporting events, celebrations, special occasions, openings, and generally anything related to current events on Kythera. Now, Kythera News is in your capable hands, so we’re delighted to be able to chat with you. I continue to photograph events on our island as much as my time and obligations allow, and outside of Kythera as well, of course—my camera is an indispensable part of my luggage. Of course, when I’m invited to religious ceremonies, those moments move me deeply.

• In light of the recent tragic shipwreck off Diakofto that claimed many lives, we’d like to ask you if this was your most difficult «assignment.» How did you feel when you were called upon to capture such a horrific event through your lens and share it with the world? Can a photograph «immortalize» death itself? Can it »capture” it in all its terrifying scope? How does a photographer manage their emotions in these situations?;

One of the hardest. Around that time, I happened to have had a minor accident involving my foot, and that night I had gone to bed early. I heard about the unpleasant incident somewhere between falling asleep and waking up, and I had no intention of going out in the condition I was in. The next morning, however, I was called by a Reuters reporter and asked to provide my photos. I hobbled over, and in the end, I never regretted it. On the contrary, I regretted not having arrived there the previous evening so that I could capture the agonizing moments my fellow citizens experienced and the great miracle of the rescue they carried out.

Of course, the full extent of death can be captured. Unfortunately. Beyond that, it’s a matter of perception, aesthetics, and technique—to capture what’s happening without shocking people with the full horror of it. But people need to know what happened. I received dozens of messages, phone calls, and video calls from acquaintances, friends, and relatives in Greece and abroad who were asking me, terrified, to find out what had happened.

And to answer your last question, that’s when you take a deep breath and snap the photo. Just think of what even the most renowned photographers—who are called upon to cover wars and capture their harrowing images—would say! The rest of us wouldn’t know anything if they didn’t do it.

•  Is there a photo you've taken that you wish you'd never taken? Or that you wish you'd taken under different circumstances? If so, why?;

I don't think so. I only regret the ones I DIDN'T take.

• Do you remember any spicy or humorous incidents? Perhaps some unexpected events or situations that made you feel uncomfortable?;

Spicy and humorous, yes—at our local carnivals, for example. I really enjoy photographing moments like these, mingling with the crowd. I mean, if I’m not actively participating, I’m taking pictures. I really enjoy it, and I’m so proud of everyone who takes part. Really, really proud. Even my mustache is smiling, as they say.

I’ve felt uncomfortable when I’ve had to take photos of fires on our island. Click—and a lump in my throat. During the 2017 fire that also swept through our village, it must have been one of the very few times I didn’t take any photos. I just chose to delete them instead.

• You seem like a modern-day version of the travelers of old, with the difference that your travels take place in one place: Kythira. At times, you seem to me like a guest star in various snapshots of everyday life. Planned or unplanned. If you ever decided to capture all these experiences in a scrapbook, what title would you give it?;

Yes, I like that you see it that way. Simple and beautiful.

You're asking me something I'm not able to answer right now. But I promise I'll get back to you very soon.

• Could you see yourself as a film director? What kind of film (series, documentary, feature-length or short film) would you like to direct? What would the script be like? What kind of main characters would you include (good, bad, cold, eccentric, indifferent, one-dimensional, generous, stingy, crazy, megalomaniacs, etc.)?;

Not at all. I don't have that kind of fantasy, nor do I have any such intention. In every film, however, the first thing I notice—and what really wins me over—is definitely the cinematography and its aesthetic. Then come the lead actors.

However, I have boundless admiration for those who do it; we have many talented people in Kythira as well as excellent theater groups.

• What kind of protagonist is Tsirigotis? Or is he not a protagonist?;

If that’s the case! We are all protagonists in our own lives, in the lives of our fellow human beings, our partners, and our children. In our shared lives with our fellow citizens. We’re all one, on a shared stage. The leading role is a great one. It’s amazing to be the protagonist in your own life, but also in the lives of others. It’s a gift. It’s up to us how we play the part—with integrity or without, with arrogance or without.

• Do you think that today's capabilities of cell phones and social media have harmed photography?;

Far from it. Photography has gained immense power through the speed at which it travels across the entire globe. Beyond that, I see the possibility of choice. Those who choose to be romantic remain in the darkroom; those who choose to modernize move on to new methods.

• Is Kythira a place or a way of life? How would you define it? What keeps you here and stops you from leaving the island?;

Kythira is a way of life in a place full of life. For me, it’s a purpose in life. To truly belong here, you have to love it deeply. Kythira doesn’t give itself to you easily. To be precise, Kythira never truly reveals itself to you. And that’s what keeps me here—the hope of one day truly understanding it.

The people of Kythira also intrigue me greatly. The love we have for our island isn’t just a parochial, small-minded mindset. It’s something much deeper. Mystical, I’d say. It’s also magical to see how much people who came to live here—even though they aren’t originally from the island—love Kythira. Along with their homes, they’ve built their lives here. And so have those who rent their accommodations here. Our guests. They, too, are people of Kythira. They share their time with us. A piece of their lives. It’s truly special and meaningful to hold moments of their lives in your hands.

• What are your hobbies? What is your general philosophy on life?;

I make sure to exercise and eat right, within reason. I love the sea, biking, and hiking—as long as my knees allow it—and I also enjoy making jewelry out of natural materials. I read a lot. I take photos. I write. I volunteer as much as I can. I love yoga. If there were a swimming pool in Kythira, I’d be a regular.

My philosophy is generally centered on a premise that may be cynical, but is very true.

Imagine that tomorrow morning your doctor tells you that you have cancer. How would you react? Toward yourself. Toward your family. Toward the people around you. Toward your neighbors. What would your social mission be? For me, there’s no time to waste; life is far too short; it takes grit. If you want to attain eternity, you must start with a small step and never stop until it becomes something great. Make the most of your potential. Do no harm, but also don’t let anyone harm you. Life is a gift.

• We’ve come to expect you to be very active on social media, to keep the local community informed about useful topics, and to courageously express your views on various issues. Can a meaningful public dialogue be fostered through these platforms? What makes people sometimes skeptical? In what ways can a «public figure» like you stimulate public engagement among the people of Kythira to foster a productive dialogue that leads to initiatives, actions, and proposals?;

Yes, I will always express my honest opinion because it will never be influenced by various interests. Furthermore, I detest partisanship. My only «interest» is my curiosity and engagement with various issues and serving the public. Nothing else.

A serious discussion can take place when it is conducted by serious people. As long as there is respect for others’ opinions and no comments are made that amount to any kind of bullying—especially on someone else’s personal wall—then yes.

Depending on the impact of each person’s public image, it influences not only their immediate surroundings but also, more broadly, the people who follow them.

• You have a wonderful and exceptionally talented daughter. Tell us what you admire most about her. Also, since she bakes such delicious desserts, can you tell us which one of her creations is your favorite?;

Agapi is a certified chef and an aspiring pastry chef. What I admire most about her is her independence—a quality I instilled in her so that she can live with dignity without being a burden to anyone, either emotionally or financially. I want her to be hardworking, emotionally intelligent, and self-sufficient—yet with a strong sense of community. I want her not to hurt others, nor to allow herself to be hurt.

Her latest creation, the pistachio cheesecake, combines traditional desserts with modern pastry-making. Of course, her favorite creations are the cakes, all of which are handcrafted down to the last detail.

• You’re from Mylopotamos, a village that once had a large population but is now «deserted.» What do you think caused this decline, and how could the village be revitalized?;

Certainly, migration, the search for work in larger urban centers, industrial development, and so on. Anything can be revitalized through collective action. Even if just one person is enough to make a difference, without collective action, a common purpose, and harmony, there will be no revival or progress.

• Tell us about Sempreviva Clothes and this year's tourist traffic on the island.

Tourist traffic this year was unexpectedly good for Kythira, given the difficult times and all the adverse circumstances we are facing. There was a notable increase during the off-season months, which is something we’re not used to, and this alone should serve as a positive catalyst for an even more successful future in tourism. We must be grateful, but we must also be much more committed to our product because expectations are rising.

Sempreviva consists of two stores, one selling mainly clothing and accessories and the other selling jewelry. I can say with certainty that it has added something our village was missing, and it caters to the budget of the average consumer. It has brought extra light and life to the village and has also become an additional meeting place for locals and tourists alike, and we hope to keep getting better and better with each new year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who visit us and support us, as well as the entire team behind the business for the trust they have placed in me.

• How will you make the most of your winter in Kythira?;

For me, winter in Kythira is always a time for introspection, but also a period of preparation for the next season. Of course, photography is also a free-form pursuit, so we’re always ready to go.

Every winter, I also make sure to attend various seminars and courses to stay up to date on topics that interest me, whether they relate to the hotel industry, lifeguarding, journalism, public relations, tourism, or social issues. Also, this year we welcomed a new member to our family who, since he’s still a baby, needs our undivided attention, and we’re currently in the process of raising him. It is, of course, an adorable little dog.

Among other things, if all goes well, I'm also working on a new project, but it's still a little too early to talk about it.

• Tina, thank you for your response.

Thank you very much for your hospitality.

Nikos Antonakis

All photos are published courtesy of © Tina Tamvaki Photography.