Nadia Valavani, the Greek artist behind Old Brown Shoe Stories, creates vibrant, self-sarcastic illustrations that turn everyday life into visual storytelling. Her characters, drawn with humor and heart, are often caught in simple moments — drinking coffee, daydreaming, gossiping — yet each one carries an unspoken history. Viewers are invited to pause, wonder, and imagine: What are they thinking? What are they feeling?
The name Old Brown Shoe Stories comes from Nadia’s love for forgotten objects and the silent narratives they hold. “The shoes of every man are the ones that accompany him through different moments — beautiful or not. They walk with us through love, work, quarrels, and quiet days. And then… they’re left somewhere, holding stories no one knows.” That poetic curiosity lives at the heart of her work.
Nadia brings creativity into every part of her life. By day, she co-runs She & She jewelry, a handmade jewelry brand, and teaches art to children. In the evenings, she paints — often posting her daily pieces to Instagram, where her community continues to grow.
She keeps drawing, laughing, teaching, and reminding us — through color, humor, and tender honesty — not to forget the child inside us.
Nadia, describe your art in three words?
Feminine, colorful, playful.
Why do you create art?
To express what I cannot in words.
Could you tell me about the place where you grew up and how it shaped you as an artist?
I grew up in a small town by the sea. Nature plays a leading role in my life – it’s essential to my very being. I have vivid memories of the times when my sister and I would go fishing with our grandfather in his small boat. The conversations we had, the stories he told us – he passed on to me his love and curiosity for nature.
Alongside the enormous influence my grandfather had on me, my mother also held an important place. Ever since I was little, I watched her constantly creating with her hands – crafts, repairs, paintings. She taught me how beneficial it is to have interests, how deeply it completes you as a person, and how good it is for your mental well-being.
Nadia Valavani, mixed media
The figures you illustrate often seem to carry their own inner worlds. Can you talk a bit more about them?
These people (figures) are, more or less, all of us. I want the viewer to be able to identify with what they see. They’re shaped by personal experiences, concerns, and even dreams. They certainly don’t live conventional lives — they have come to terms with themselves, and of course, they make mistakes.
They think like all of us do: about the things we should have said but hesitated, the things we desire, and the things that trouble us.
What emotions or ideas do you hope people experience when they engage with your art?
To identify with it, to have a pleasant break from everyday life, to take you on a journey — or simply to bring joy.
Tell me about one of your favorite artworks you’ve created.
‘Strangers’ is about human relationships. You can deeply connect with some people — not only in romantic relationships, but friendships as well. But I personally think it’s very difficult, and often even impossible, to truly know and understand the person in front of you. What is he or she thinking? We share many things, but do we really get to know each other?
I think there’s always a small distance in human relationships, even though we try our best to eliminate it.
Nadia Valavani, mixed media
For you, what’s the most exciting part of creating art?
The process — the experimentation and the personal connection each person has with the artwork.
Can you walk us through your typical creative routine? Do you have any rituals, habits, or specific conditions that help you get into the flow?
I usually start drawing in my tiny studio.
Once I’m there, I get lost in the process. I love scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration. There’s always a coffee next to me, and music playing in the background — music plays an important role in my work. I also like to light a candle, even if it’s not dark — it just helps set the mood.
NADIA'S BOOK RECOMMENDATION
A must-read book is "The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly" by Sun-mi Hwang.
A flavor that best represents her art
Cherry plums
What’s one new thing you’ve learned about art recently?
Art pushes you to find solutions where you’re not expected to.
Name places, persons, or things that inspire you.
You can find inspiration in everything. For sure – everyday life, my great grandparents village, my sister, my mom.
I admire Paula Bonet, Leticia Ribeiro, 1924us, Alice Rohrwacher, Michael Sowa, the British band Jungle and many, many others.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?
An ecologist. I would love to study herbals and insects.
Nadia Valavani, mixed media
How do you handle self-doubt or criticism, whether from yourself or others?
By creating more art.
What’s one unusual or unexpected thing about you that most people don’t know?
Although I might seem pretty strict, I actually make a lot of fun of myself — and I’m such a big teaser. I really value a sense of humor, and I appreciate people who value it too.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self as an artist, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Stop stressing about finding your personal style — it will find you on its own.
Nadia Valavani, mixed media
Nadia Valavani, mixed media
Nadia Valavani, mixed media
Nadia Valavani, mixed media
Connect with the Artist
All images courtesy of the artist.
