"He puts his country on a canvas"
He was the youngest of the four sons of Neoklis Ioannides and Helen, from the Skyrianides family.
His father Neoklis, was a well known wine manufacturer and Banker of Limassol.
Upon his graduation from High School in 1921 and with the initiative of his father, who preferred a secure professional future for his son, he worked for a small period of time as an accountant in a big commercial company. His inherent talent and his love for painting and music, led him to refuse a promotion in the company and resigned.
During that same period in 1922, he meets the poet and artist painter Nicos Nicolaides, with whom he develops a close friendship. A similar friendship is also developed with his Art Professor in High School and later collaborator and associate, George Fassouliotis.