Melbourne lawyer gives life to Greek songs through his drawings

Chris Machairas

Source: Supplied

Chris Macheras is a Melbourne based lawyer who posts drawings inspired by Greek songs on Instagram.


Among the many pages of Instagram, there is Greek Song Drawings. As the name suggests, it is a page that contains drawings inspired by Greek songs.

All the drawings are by the hand of 30 year-old Greek-Australian lawyer Chris Macheras. Mr Macheras has liked drawing since he was a kid. However his profession does not give him the opportunity to exercise his artistic talent.
Greek Song Drawings
Source: Supplied
Roughly two months ago, he decided to combine his love of drawing with Greek songs.  

‘’I was at work, listening to the song ‘’Roloi – Komboloi’’ (Watch – Worry Beads). So I drew a roloi and a komboloi and wrote the lyrics underneath. I thought it was a good idea so I put it up on Instagram to see if people would like it’’ he said.
Greek Song Drawings
Source: Supplied
People did like it, to the point where now he is doing commissions for Greeks from various parts of the world.

As a child of Greek Australians, he grew up listening to Greek music and he even played the bouzouki. He was further exposed to it while he was attending Greek school.

‘’I remember the teacher would play the song ‘’Vracho vracho ton Kaimo mou’’ (Rock by rock my pain) by Stelios Kazantzidis. We learned about ‘‘ksenitia’’ (emigration) and the relationship it has with music’’.
Greek Song Drawings
Source: Supplied
Mr Macheras said that the more he understood the lyrics, the more he appreciated Greek music and his own Greek identity.  Both of his parents were born in Australia to Greek families who came to the country decades ago.

‘’In Australia we are Greeks, but in Greece we are Australians. I have learned that I am Greek Australian. I am proud of my Greek background, but I am also Australian. This is something unique.’’
Greek Song Drawings
Source: Supplied
Greeks from countries other than Australia and Greece, such as the US and Canada follow his page on Instagram, and he has received encouraging messages by well-known Greek artists such as Glykeria  and Nana Mouskouri.
Greek Song Drawings
Source: Supplied

Share
Follow SBS Greek

Download our apps
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Greek-speaking Australians.
Stories from Australians who served in World War II, including some who are no longer with us.
Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
Greek News

Greek News

Watch it onDemand