As a boy, I took part in many after-school activities. It was here that I learnt to work with different types of tools and materials. It seemed natural for me to work manually. The challenge was to understand the wood. It's a live material, so sometimes it is unpredictable.

My favourite is the Greek olive, but every type has its charm. However, the origin is very important: I use only wood from properties and gardens that had to be cleared of trees and had to be cut down. I choose it very carefully and preferably personally.

I fell for the Damascus steel, an ancient type of steel used for kings and emperors' swords. It was believed to give them power and dignity. The original way of making it remains secret. It is tough to make small elements of it, but I found a way.

I enjoy that I enjoy it. Every day in my workshop is fulfilling. I started in a borrowed garage without heating, where I used to work in a down jacket. But it was worth the hardship. Just as all the failures were important to teach me, I continue to keep learning and having fun, every day.