Farmer Portrait: Kostantis Mouzakis

This series is dedicated to the small organic farmers which bring you ANTA Bio Olive oil from the island of Zakynthos.

Our first portrait is of Kostantis Mouzakis who suggested we divide the series into seasons since the activities and philosophy of olive farming changes with them.

When asked: “Why do you chose to be an organic farmer?”

Kostantis answered simply: “Because there is no real difference between organic farming and traditional.”

In fact, the same people who tried to force pesticides on us decades ago, are the ones coming around trying to replace these chemicals or enforce limits and fines.

Konstantis’ farm is entirely self sufficient. This is a problem for people who make their living off taxing and enforcing. He self describes it as a “monastery” to the extent that they can live of the flora and fauna whose lives they enhance and protect. He looks out at the sea as if looking back to carefree times when you brought a melon into your house and let the sweet smell overpower your home.

Konstantis is also an actor and director with a local theater and has produced pieces that have been performed on the Greek National Theater’s stage and have received numerous awards.

Kostantis says: “Theater and nature are found within each other. I see no difference.”

What he observes in his passions and tries to express is a “saintly simplicity.” (αγία απλότητα) Because simple means true.

Kostantis: “Nature and art for me are the same. Perfection and harmony are found where simplicity is and masterpieces draw attention silently, something people whose identity is bound to society too often forget.”

Kostantis: “Noticing, concentrating, absorbing  the way nature works is better than any seminar for me. In theater and cultivation.”

His preferred brand of theater can be described as minimalist art that forces you to think rather than chewing one or two ideas and producing colorful images for plain entertainment. You might think this is hard work but the beauty and poetry of such work provides just as much, if not more of an escape from grey reality. 

We are proud that purchasing this olive oil supports the continuation of a theatrical tradition which has survived on Zakynthos through the ages. 

You can keep up with Kostantis work at: https://www.facebook.com/kostantismouzakis