Why did you choose this craft?
Creating musical instruments is extremely complex, combining the science of sound with construction and music in general. I was fascinated by the craft’s complexity, the need to cultivate the mind and practice manual skills. Being involved with music myself made it even more interesting.
When did you decide to follow this craft professionally?
When studying as an Environmental Engineer in Xanthi, I was looking for an occupation where I could develop manual, mental and psychological skills alongside my love of music. A friend suggested making musical instruments – I had never seen an instrument workshop before, but I realised right away that this was what I had been looking for.
© Ageliki Lyssa
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Music is my main source of inspiration. I am fascinated by the musical traditions of the East and the Mediterranean regions and the traditional instruments they play. Also, wood, the raw material of musical instrument making, is in itself a source of inspiration. Its smell, sound, appearance, shapes and rings, guide you in the creative process.
What do you love most about your craft?
Its connection to the sound. I love the fact that following the long process of construction, I can create an object that is not just beautiful or useful, but an object that produces its own, unique sound. With this object, through music, one is given the opportunity to express feelings and ideas.