13
Juni 2016
Andreas Galanakis, Greek sculptor and sundial creator, in an interview over his projects, plans and experiences.
Andreas Galanakis
Sculptor - Sundials creator
galanakis.gr
Galanakis.gr@gmail.com
I.I. What is the source of your inspiration?
Α.G. Living in Greece provides all the essential requirements so that someone becomes creative (without providing the standard ones of course). Despite all that, it is a big blessing to live in Greece. Light is the big catalyst, the great geometer.
Ι.Ι. Which is your most beautiful creation in stainless steel and why do you think it stand out?
Α.G. It was a simple sundial that was installed in the entrance of the “
Asclepieion” in Messene. What makes this project special is that even though it is a modern element it adjusted perfectly with the rest of the archaeological site.
Ι.Ι. Based on what criteria are you choosing stainless steel on your projects?
Α.G. The criterion was its basic property. The fact that it does not oxide reduces the maintenance to the minimum. The former material that I used (aluminum), even though it has excellent properties, its exposure especially in areas near the sea made it non-appropriate in the long run.
Ι.Ι. When was your first contact with stainless steel in your creations?
Α.G. For years, as already said, I was working with cast aluminum; a very nice material that is produced in Greece and with which I completed many projects, with brilliant craftsmen that are now retired. Over the past 10 years my study on Sundials led to stainless steel. Laser-cut also contributed to choosing stainless steel. Due to the fact that my projects are instruments that require high accuracy, I turned to laser-cut and then to stainless steel. I had to choose between iron, brass and stainless steel. Inox won me over.
Ι.Ι. Do you believe that stainless steel figures between the materials of the future?
Α.G. I believe so, because it has magnificent properties. Nowadays its price, even though it is higher than steel’s, it is not prohibitive if you count in steel’s price, grease removal, priming and painting for maintenance purposes. New finishes have to be created for the exterior surface though, so that it covers a bigger range on esthetic proposals. Stainless steel gives a “high tech” look wherever it’s used, but that is not always the desired result. Despite all that, I believe stainless steel has a bright future.
Ι.Ι. What would your advice be to a new artist that would use stainless steel in his projects?
Α.G. “If you honor stainless steel it will honor you back”.
Ι.Ι. Tell us a few words on your cooperation with
Ieronimakis Inox SA:
Α.G. To hold an on-going enterprise in this financial situation is high art by itself. Ieronimakis Inox team know their job well.