21 AUG 2024
Words by: Eliza Soufli / Photography: Eirini Saridaki
Sofia Daskalaki aka Happy Hemera
An afternoon with our new collaborator Happy Hemera
Another summer in Athens, and the heat is relentless. Even with the air conditioning running non-stop, the cool air never seems to be enough. On the edge of my desk, I find the new Frogs to Princes folding fans. I pick up the one adorned with figs. This summer draws to a close and I notice that the month of August always brings back memories of summers in my village; the sweet, juicy figs from the large fig tree at the end of our garden.
The breeze coming from the folding fan feels different, almost nostalgic. This motion, passed down through generations, has traveled across eras—this "tool" that has evolved into both an accessory and a work of art. Fans have endured the test of time, symbolizing a cultural background from Ancient Greece and Egypt to India. I find myself wanting to learn more about their history.
I read online that the earliest hand fans in Ancient Greece were made of linen, dating back to the 5th century BCA. Around the world, folding fans have held unique significance. In China, they were symbols of social status; in Egypt, they were used by aristocrats and emperors, with golden hand fans found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. In Japan, they even had religious connotations. Over time, the "art" of the folding fan spread to Europe, making it an essential accessory.
Through her vibrant colors and bold patterns, artist Sofia Daskalaki masterfully weaves tradition with contemporary illustration. Known as "happyhemera," she hails from Crete, bringing with her a collection of folding fans in four designs—each bursting with color, energy, and a refreshing touch. These fans are a perfect addition to the unique array of design objects offered by Frogs to Princes.
Starting with the Basics... Can you recall what first drew you to the world of illustration and design? Was there a specific moment, influence, or experience that played a key role in your decision to embark on this journey?
My childhood memories are filled with colors and landscapes. I loved painting landscapes with acrylics on canvas, often spending countless hours at my small pink desk, completely absorbed in my art, while ignoring playtime with other children.
In my 30s, I fell in love with the design of the '50s, '60s, and '70s. The simplicity, clean lines, and bold colors were captivating. I was mesmerized by figures like Paul Rand, Alexander Girard, and Mary Blair, along with many others who elevated design into an art form. Around that time, I delved into the enchanting world of graphic design. I invested in countless books, and Photoshop and Illustrator became my faithful companions. Despite my skills, I never found the courage to share my work publicly, limiting my creations to personal projects that never saw the light of day.
The turning point came with the birth of my son. It’s incredible how life can change in an instant. Let me share my personal "AHA!" moment.
One afternoon, I managed to leave my three-month-old son to meet a good friend. During our conversation, he spoke with pride and enthusiasm about his work, saying, "I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved." His dedication and relentless effort had indeed led him to success. At that moment, I felt a lump in my throat—it was my "AHA!" moment, the phrase that ignited my inner flame. I vowed then to take action. No matter how uncertain the path ahead, my goal was clear. I was ready to embark on the journey of my dreams.
If someone is not yet familiar with your work, a quick glance at your Instagram (@happyhemera) reveals a world of color, vibrancy, and freshness. Your figures, designs, and patterns evoke Mediterranean life and playful narratives. How would you describe your art style, and what are the key elements you always try to incorporate into your creations?
Absolutely! The colors of the Mediterranean resonate deeply with me! The blue of the Aegean, the off-white of traditional Cycladic houses, the vibrant fuchsia bougainvillea, and the green of olive leaves make up my core color palette. I would say my style is characterized by bold colors with daring combinations and simple patterns with mysterious curves that make them appear complex. I have a sensitivity to color, so I always focus on combinations that lift my mood.
Looking back at your journey so far, what stands out as a “WOW” moment?
I would say that every day brings its own small surprises. Whether I’m designing something beautiful that makes me proud or something less successful, each experience is a small lesson, my personal "WOW" moment. For this year, I’d say my most significant "WOW" moment was my collaboration with Frogs to Princes, and I’ll explain why.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with small and large businesses worldwide, primarily from the States, Asia, and Europe. However, I never had the opportunity to collaborate with a Greek company. It seemed like it wasn’t meant to be! So, when the Frogs to Princes team approached me, it felt like the all planets were perfectly aligned, turning a distant goal into reality.
Let’s focus on this exciting collaboration that thrills us too: your new partnership with Frogs to Princes brings new life to a beloved “vintage” accessory essential for life in the Mediterranean—folding fans! What was your first reaction, and what is your personal connection with this item?
“WOW!”
Fans have served as symbols of elegance, refinement, and cultural heritage in many societies. They’ve been used to express social status, showcase creativity, and even convey secret messages. In many cultures, fans are not just tools but also works of art, reflecting the values and aesthetics of their respective eras.
I love fans of all kinds—small or large, wooden or bamboo, monochrome or multicolored. In places like Crete, where summer heat is unbearable, hand fans are the simplest solution to stay cool while adding a touch of elegance to our appearance. And let’s be honest, folding fan is no longer just an accessory during a summer in Greece—it’s a survival tool!
You took a classic accessory with a rich history, widespread globally, and sought to connect it with a modern audience while maintaining its elegance and heritage. How did you accomplish this?
The aspect of my work that always intrigues me is problem-solving. How can I blend my style with the product at hand? How can I make the product stand out? What colors can I use? The questions are many! With the Frogs to Princes team, we worked closely together, aiming to create products that aren’t just beautiful but tell a refreshing story that connects the past with the present. To ensure that the folding fans retained their classic charm while appealing to a contemporary audience, I combined traditional patterns with bold color combinations and contrasts.
When the Frogs to Princes team first approached me, I was thrilled because they wanted designs that truly reflect my style. After they described how they envisioned their products, they gave me the freedom to create without limitations. There’s nothing better for a designer than to be able to create freely; sky is the limit.
If you could name each of these fans, what would it be? Does each one symbolize something unique for you?
The fig one I’d call "Summer Harvest," symbolizing the sweet, juicy chaos of summer.
The red and blue floral one I’d name "Ruby Waves," symbolizing the perfect summer love story: passionate, hot, and unpredictable.
The monstera leaf fan I’d call "Scarlet Shadows," symbolizing a small tropical paradise, adventurous and mysterious.
The one with the peaches I’d name "Summer Pulse," connecting it with moments of carefree freshness on a summer morning.
Your work is dominated by vibrant colors and light. Have there been darker periods in your artistic journey?
Of course! There have been, there are, and there will be! These are the periods that make us more resilient and stronger. I consider myself an optimist, and even in the most challenging situations, I always see the glass as half-full. I see every difficult moment as a small lesson—if I can recognize something from it, it’s less likely I’ll repeat the mistake. It’s like creating a painting you don’t like. You look at it, acknowledge your mistakes, but don’t discard it. Instead, you keep it as a reminder that these moments exist and pave the way for those that fill you with pride.
Art and mental health: How essential is art to your mental balance and peace? Do you see art as a refuge?
I’d describe art and design more as my addiction! It’s my way of capturing the words that can’t be spoken. It’s also my tool to lift my spirits. When I’m stressed, it’s my Valium. Even when a project challenges me, I always turn to a little doodling. That sense of freedom when creating without constraints is priceless.
If you weren’t living in Greece, where would you want to live?
I could live anywhere, as long as the city overflows with vibrant colors, friendly people, and a general aesthetic that seamlessly blends elegance with creativity.
Where did summer find you, and what are your plans for the upcoming season?
Summer found me in my small town of Chania with my husband, our son, our dog, and our cat. After a very demanding winter period, all I was looking forward to was a few moments of relaxation, some illustrating, and a lot of fun.
The new season promises to be lively, with bold colors and exciting projects that will bring me a wealth of experiences.