" Art is like life—it must be lived fully, with passion and without fear."
—Inspired by Zorba the Greek
" Art is like life—it must be lived fully, with passion and without fear."
—Inspired by Zorba the Greek
“Surfing Hell”
Medium: 16"x20"x1" Acrylic on Canvas
A daily routine while living in Malibu, where the ocean roars with the thrill of big waves and the constant hum of life’s adrenaline. The turbulent mix of colors evokes the chaotic beauty of both challenge and exhilaration—surfing the fine line between heaven and hell.
“Creativity”
Medium: 40"x50"x1" Acrylic on Canvas
A swirling depiction of life's endless flow, representing the continuous expression of creativity and the human spirit between the beginning and end of our journey.
“Dinnertime”
Medium: 14”x18”x1/2” Acrylic on Canvas
An abstract sea creature, vibrant and dynamic, swimming toward its next meal. The swirling strokes and colors evoke the urgency and simplicity of nature’s endless quest for sustenance.
“Love. Time. Money.”
Medium: 20"x24"x1" Acrylic on Canvas
An abstract exploration of the delicate balance between love, time, and money—elements that, if neglected, tend to fade away. Part of the Starflower series, this piece reminds us of the fleeting nature of life’s most essential aspects.
“Blue Justice crushing the Ogre”
Medium: 20"x24"x1" Acrylic on Canvas
An intense depiction of justice overcoming darkness, as the blue force crushes the ogre, spitting out the artist's tooth in a symbolic act of triumph after the beast devours him. A powerful representation of resilience and victory over adversities.
“Flying Squirrel”
Medium: 11"x14"x1/2" Acrylic on Canvas
An abstract homage to a loyal companion, this flying squirrel, always waiting for peanuts, captures the playful spirit and the bond between nature and human friendship.
“Music Ascends”
Medium: 11"x14" Pen Drawing on Paper
An abstract interpretation of the flow and essence of music, capturing the rhythm, harmony, and structure through pen and ink in one of the final artistic entries by Stavros.
“Fallen Angel”
Medium: 18"x22" paper on backing with cut out backing in 24"x36" frame
A delicate and emotional portrayal of a friend deeply wounded by love's rejection, this piece captures the vulnerability and beauty of the fallen angel, suspended between heartache and grace.
“Love Will Come to You 2”
Medium: 12"x8" Pen and ink cut out on Paper
Abstract depiction of love gracefully flowing, with hearts scattered in the air. Love's journey, delicate yet impactful, touches all in its path.
“Weightlifter”
Medium: 11"x14" Pen and Ink on Paper
Inspired by my Strompolos niece in Colorado, this abstract piece captures the energy and strength of a weightlifter. The flowing lines and vibrant colors evoke the power and grace of lifting.
“The Sax Man”
Medium: 11"x14" Pen and Ink on Paper
A minimalist tribute to the smooth rhythm and flow of jazz.
“Ta Matia Sou Tesera”
Medium: 11"x14" Pen Drawing on Paper
Inspired by a Greek saying from his grandmother as he left the house for a night out with friends, this artwork captures a simple yet profound piece of advice—"That your eyes are four"—a way of saying "Stay alert and be careful." Stavros uses abstract forms to depict the multiplicity of vision, emphasizing awareness and attentiveness in life.
“Golden Geisha”
Medium: 14"x20"x5" Handcraft
"I spent two full months on the Geisha; it started as just a hunk of wood, barely resembling its final form. Each detail emerged slowly, bringing life to this symbol of classic Japanese elegance and mystery. This piece transcends simple imagery, embodying the patience, skill, and devotion to the art of transformation."
“Donut Lamp”
Famous lamp designed by Strompolos Designs in 1986 in Malibu, CA. Featured on popular TV sets like Frasier and Young and the Restless, it became an iconic design with 4,288 units sold across the United States. This gold version is from the designer’s personal collection. A classic by Strompolos Designs!
“CLASSIC Lamp”
The Classic Shade Lamp by Stavros Artos features a dual-light system, with one soft light emanating from the body and a regular light illuminating the top. This elegant design offers a unique, ambient lighting experience, blending functionality with understated sophistication.
“MALIBU SOFA/DAYBED”
Designed by Stavros in 1986, the Malibu Sofa/Daybed offers the comfort of an upholstered sofa combined with the practicality of a daybed. This innovative piece features a double mattress, replacing traditional hard metal daybeds with soft, functional elegance. Perfect for modern living spaces, this design balances relaxation and versatility.
“Red On”
Medium: Photo
Dynamic red blooms standing out against an artistic background, blending nature with human creativity.
“Lily”
Medium: Photo
The stunning white petals of the lily are complemented by the striking, bold stamens that seem to leap out of the frame. A powerful and elegant capture of nature's intricate beauty.
Stavros Strompolos is a multifaceted artist and creative force whose work spans a wide array of mediums, from painting and sculpture to writing and product design. With roots deeply planted in his Greek-American heritage, his art reflects both personal experiences and universal themes, blending a rich understanding of symbolism with a profound connection to nature, spirituality, and human emotion.
Strompolos’ artistic career began in the 1970s, drawing inspiration from the cultural melting pot of Malibu, California, where he lived and created alongside notable figures from various artistic disciplines. His early works, like the famous "Donut Lamp," found their way onto the sets of hit TV shows like Frasier and The Young and the Restless, becoming an iconic design featured in homes and galleries across the United States. His unique artistic voice continued to grow, reflecting a deep personal evolution while maintaining the connection to his cultural background and the natural world.
In painting, Strompolos has developed a distinctive style that fuses abstract expressionism with symbolic realism, often exploring the relationships between color, form, and emotion. His “Starflowers” series captures the mystical energy of the cosmos, representing the interconnectedness of celestial bodies and earthly life. This recurring theme of interconnectedness extends to his other works, such as "Golden Showers“ and "Blue Marble,“ which explore the cosmic and environmental elements of existence. Through acrylic, mixed media, and gold leaf, he captures movement, balance, and harmony, all while imbuing each piece with personal narratives and broader reflections on life.
Whether he is painting a canvas, writing a reflective piece, or designing a product, Stavros Strompolos approaches each project with a singular vision—to bridge the gap between the spiritual and the material, the everyday and the extraordinary. His work is always evolving, never static, reflecting a constant quest for meaning, balance, and beauty in an ever-changing world.
Through his art, writing, and entrepreneurial endeavors, Strompolos has established himself as a unique voice in contemporary culture. His pieces are not just works to be observed but experiences to be felt, where colors, textures, and forms speak volumes about the human soul's journey through time, space, and emotion.
Though Stavros Strompolos' art may not be found in private collections or major galleries, his influence on material design and culinary creations remains a testament to his far-reaching creativity and innovative spirit. From the iconic "Donut Lamp" to his Strompolos Foods line, his work has subtly woven itself into the fabric of everyday life, bringing beauty, function, and flavor to countless homes. His legacy lies in the seamless blend of art and utility, where every creation—be it a painting, a lamp, or a bottle of dressing—reflects his enduring passion for connecting people through thoughtful, creative expression.
Strompolos is not just an artist; he’s a creative entrepreneur. His longstanding company, Strompolos Designs, which he founded over 30 years ago, continues to produce innovative home décor, lighting, and functional art pieces that are loved worldwide. His design work, such as the "Donut Lamp," emphasizes simplicity and functionality but with an artistic flair that transforms everyday objects into visual statements. The company's philosophy is to create art that brings light and energy into homes while maintaining an enduring sense of aesthetic and emotional depth.
He also ventured into the culinary world with Strompolos Foods, which specializes in creating healthy, Mediterranean-inspired spice mixes and dressings. His product line reflects his love for Greek culture and dedication to healthy, flavorful living, drawing from 100 years of family tradition in both Greece and the United States.
As a writer, Strompolos has a deeply introspective and philosophical approach. His literary works often explore themes of identity, purpose, and the human condition. His love for storytelling weaves through his visual art as well, as seen in pieces like "Fallen Angel" and "Heart Collision," where personal stories of love, loss, and redemption play out in bold strokes and evocative color palettes. In his writings, whether short-form or expansive, Strompolos seeks to connect the material and the ethereal, offering his audience a window into his deeply contemplative worldview.