At what point did you decide to pursue this craft?
It was in 1981, in Crete, after a fortuitous encounter with Nikos Troullinos, a renowned glassblower. He invited me to his workshop in Athens. I went there, and from that moment on, from the very first contact with this art, I decided that this is what I would follow.
Do you have a significant moment in your career to tell us about?
At the start of my career, I was offered to go to Paris and open a laboratory there. I thought about it, but I could not leave my home country. Crete is my main inspiration, and that is why I have no regrets. It is from this place that I became who I am, and this place that also distinguishes my work.
©Daskalakis Evangelos
In what ways are tradition and innovation expressed in your work?
Each object I make is timeless. Innovation lies in the fact that every one of my creations is unique and special. Until now, Crete has not shown any tradition in the field of glass. So, my experience over 40 years could be the start of a local tradition in this craft.
Do you share your knowledge with apprentices?
Not at the moment. My brother and my son are specialising in the craft with me, so in some ways, they are my apprentices. It is common in my close environment; good friends often work together. Every year, before I close the glass furnace, I invite them and we create objects together.