The Greek House: The Story of a Painter's Love Affair with the Island of Sifnos
Some people are born to love a location and never leave, deeming it the perfect spot for their senses and sensibilities. Others have to travel the world before they discover a place they can truly call home. So it was for artist Brechneff, who stumbled off the ferry onto the Greek island of Sifnos and fell into a sheltering oasis that would both nurture his developing artistic talents and define his emerging sexual identity. While the island’s natural beauty served as his creative muse, its local inhabitants welcomed him as one of their own. He was known to everyone as “Christo,” Swiss by birth, Greek by choice. Nosy crones fiercely monitored his comings and goings, gracious taverna owners generously poured his retsina, and a capable and wily contractor helped him build the hilltop house of his dreams. Describing his 30-year love affair with the island and its people, Brechneff paints a portrait as vivid and captivating as anything he ever committed to canvas. --Carol Haggas