Projector For Dummies

Interview with the artist (GO Munich, Feb. 2009)

Since early childhood I am interested in Japan. I think that time started when I first saw Shogun by James Clavell first as a film and then the book to "read. For every boy knights are interesting, I was drawn more towards the samurai, with its strict Code of Ethics. After this slightly banal initial access, I began to read in Japanese history, studying the culture, attitude, philosophy and religion of the land of the rising sun. The country has influenced me greatly in my career and self-image. For many years I'm now already Iai-do, the art of drawing the sword and Shadow fighting with the katana, the traditional Samurai sword, of which I have now a fairly sizable collection. I also exercise myself regularly in the meditation techniques of the Za-Zen. Last but not least me my fascination for the land of the gods Initiated by a extended trip to Japan to do, where I could deepen my artistic ambitions live on site. I was instructed by one of the lucky few to be masters, who taught me the Zen meditation under several broad Cha-nu-yo (tea ceremony), ikebana and the ink painting. Just that flows Now in my thesis.

Back in Germany I deepened what I could acquire me for a year in additional courses with various private teachers, but until then was not the idea of what they have learned in a different way than traditional apply. In the course of 2008 grew in me more and more the thought of new ways of art, after my previous images increasingly flat and appeared somehow been there before. I is anxious to create something new that has so far made no other. So I thought for me on the yugen and made some tests on paper and canvas, but not initially corresponded to my ideas. The breakthrough came when me an old factory built in 1992 in dropped his hands: a few simple but meaningful colors - mostly shades of brown, red, black and gold. After this enlightenment within a few weeks were a variety of works. I work in mixed media, which will mean that different techniques and mediums are used. The primers I paint exclusively with self-manufactured natural dyes and then work "in wet / damp on" with India ink, diluted acrylic paint, shellac and various bronzes, predominantly gold bronze. With a few specific strokes, and smudges Auftröpfelungen began screens grow and I think I have found a basic form that is definitely worth a name to get. Based on the name of Japan in the national language, Nihon, I call this art as Nihonismus. The Nihonismus for me is quite short, abstract painting with a drawing on ancient Japanese art forms, is particularly well to take the meditative aspect. My pictures are intended not only objects of consideration, but also meditation aids, which enable the authority in certain moods and open his mind. Currently, I work exclusively in this technique, however, continue to experiment in other areas. Also my studies and medieval heraldic drawings I do not neglect. In times of economic crisis has raised again the question: "Who needs to appreciate art?". All I can say is that in times of crisis lasting value should be in demand and not the small-minded squint after ringing profit - has led where we see right now all quite clearly! Finally, I might want to just quote King Ludwig I of Bavaria: who creates things for posterity, is no ordinary man!