I might be a creative spirit in some ways, but when it comes to myself, there are quite a few blind spots. That’s why I had a friend ask me some questions. I hope these will shed a little light on who I am …
What fascinates you most in life?
• Is there a childhood memory that has particularly shaped you?
Several! Even though I’d prefer to forget most of them, there are still some very beautiful ones. The moments when my parents had time to take trips with me – for example, to Schloss Burg in Solingen, or to the Siebengebirge, which was nearby back then. Yes, I’d say those moments have had a great influence on me.
• If you had the opportunity to visit any place in the world, where would you go and why?
I would, one by one, visit Mongolia, Siberia, the Scandinavian countries, the indigenous tribes of North America, Morocco, and China. Simply because I feel a deep, inner connection to these places. Well, China and Morocco because I’m fascinated by these countries and their rich cultural history …
• What does happiness mean to you?
Happiness? To me, happiness is something that stems from within. It comes from the soul, not from external circumstances. I could just as easily sit in a cave somewhere in the world, eat strange things with natives, or sit in a fancy restaurant ordering micro portions while hoping to get full. Whether I am content or suffer from the situation is up to me.
I think and believe that happiness is a decision and a habit.
• Is there something you’d like to learn but never found the time for?
Oh, there’s so much! I’m fascinated by nearly every field of knowledge, and this fascination hasn’t diminished after 47 years – quite the opposite! Yet, I also realize that with every answer I find, I uncover a dozen new questions!
In that sense, the only thing I’m really missing is time, as it is confined by the body.
But to name something realistic: I’d love to learn French, Russian, and Turkish!
• What small habit makes your day better?
Not a habit, but a small friend: my cat Dusty, and someone who has a very special place in my heart, but whom I don’t want to name here for privacy reasons. Otherwise? I always find something to do, so I rarely get bored!
Stories and Poems
◦ What inspired you to start writing stories and poems?
There are many sources! Firstly, visions – some are the result of rituals, others of meditations. Then there are images that emerge within me, often accompanied by very strong emotions. Take my Nachwind (“Night Wind”) stories, for instance: engaging with these subjects is physically painful.
And then, of course, there are the thoughts I have about various topics, which I sometimes relate to and connect with one another.
◦ Are there specific themes that recur throughout your work?
Life and death! The two most important moments we can experience … and respect for life!
◦ Do you prefer writing short stories or longer works, and why?
So far, unfortunately, only short stories. I once tried my hand at a longer novel, but it spiraled out of control! Too many side plots – but I haven’t given up hope that one day I’ll write a novel worth reading, one that brings readers a bit of hope and joy …
◦ Does one of your stories hold special personal meaning for you?
Actually, all of them, because they come from my inner self. But if I had to highlight one, it would be Belgium 1916 …
Arts and Crafts
◦ How did you start making instruments and art pieces?
I could say that I’ve always wanted to build instruments because I’m a great musician who wants to influence the sound – but that would be a lie. I’m a terrible musician, can only play a little flute and manage a drum decently.
Currently, I’m learning to play the tagelharpa and the lyre, but building those instruments, unfortunately, doesn’t mean one can also master playing them! But it’s fun …
I used to build boats back when my health still allowed it. Not yachts or anything like that – just kayaks, canoes, folding boats … small vessels. I think the longest thing I would’ve been allowed to build would’ve been twelve meters. That’s because I never formally learned it, like most things. Well, and if you can build a boat, you can manage other things too.
And don’t ask me where I learned it – it’s just something within me. It’s the same with my art. I have an image in my mind and figure out how to bring it to life. That’s really all there is to it.
◦ Are there specific materials or techniques you particularly enjoy?
I haven’t really committed to anything. But my favorites are definitely wood, paper, resin, and concrete (or cement). And technique? Well, I work until it matches the image in my mind … or at least comes close!
What fascinates me time and again, however, is how beautiful things can emerge solely through the power of one’s hands. I believe you gain a completely different perspective on value when you create something yourself and realize how much time goes into it.
◦ Is there a particular piece among your creations that you’re especially proud of?
Proud? Honestly, I don’t even know if I feel pride – I’m more delighted when something works or looks good. But yes, I think I was proud when I finally tuned my first tagelharpa correctly!
Because let’s be honest: when I started, I had absolutely no idea about scales, notes, or how to tune an instrument! 😉
◦ How does your craftsmanship influence your other creative activities, such as writing?
There are probably interactions! But I haven’t observed them. I do think my stories deepen as I acquire new knowledge …
Inspiration and Creative Process
◦ Where do you draw your inspiration from – nature, experiences, books?
Most of it comes through visions, usually right before falling asleep, in that phase between waking and dreaming. That’s why I usually have a notebook on my bedside table or keep the note function on my phone active.
The deeper stuff often stems from shamanistic rituals in which various potions made from natural ingredients are used. I prefer not to elaborate further here.
◦ What does a typical creative day look like for you?
Either I have something in hand and an idea comes to me, or I have an idea and look for something to bring it to life!
◦ Are there artists or authors who have particularly influenced you?
As a child, I read a lot from my older brother’s books – they were mostly works on fringe sciences, books about physics, philosophy, and – since he was a child of the 70s and 80s – those famous pulp fiction magazines like Vampir Horror Roman, Silber-Gruselkrimi, and so on.
The first horror book I read at the age of eight or nine was a collection of stories by H.P. Lovecraft. I couldn’t sleep for days after that, but I would claim that Lovecraft was a major, inspiring figure. And Erich von Däniken! On my eleventh birthday, my mother gave me the book Chariots of the Gods as a gift.
Some of his theories might be explained differently or may contain errors, but I think the book taught me to ask critical questions.
Other than that? I like the works of Bosch, Röhrig, Fussli, and many old masters – but a preference? Not really. Da Vinci, I highly regard, but more because he excelled in so many fields rather than for his artwork.
Personal Insights and Audience Connection
◦ What do you hope to convey to your readers and clients through your work?
Feelings! I’m happy if my work makes someone start questioning things or if I see someone enjoying it. And maybe a small message: life goes on and everyone has the chance for a better tomorrow …
◦ Is there a message reflected in your art?
That everything is in flux. Which doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing …
◦ How important is interaction with your audience to you?
I appreciate suggestions, nice conversations, and when friendships form. And I truly hope people see me as just a regular guy, because that’s exactly what I am.
Visions for the Future
◦ What projects are you currently working on, and what are your goals for the future?
Honestly, I don’t make big plans anymore. Why should I? My body frequently reminds me that my time is limited. What I’d like to achieve is that I’m not completely forgotten after I’m gone.
That’s really all I wish for …
◦ Do you have a big dream project you’d like to realize one day?
A home of my own, a proper little workshop! A space with room, work surfaces, proper machines – like a bandsaw or table saw – and where I could set up a small lab too. But for now, a small workshop would already suffice!
Believe it or not, at the moment, I’m doing everything on a kitchen table!