What is your opinion on the impact that photographic possibilities and Social platforms have on people’s pull towards particular places and cities? What other places and cities are you pulled to and why?
I think that, the better you get to places you like, the more fascinated you become. Nowadays, we are flooded with impressions through photos and videos shared on social media. Previous generation’s inspiration has been fueled by films, music or diapositives.
I personally wish to explore Japan some time soon. I feel very inspired by their culture and the aesthetics in japanese graphic design.
How do cities and places inspire/influence your work? / Do you travel to find inspiration?
Actually, I draw most while I am traveling. As soon as I get out of my daily routine, everything is new and exotic. I capture situations and experiences through my sketches. Whenever I open an old sketchbook, I am immediately carried back to what I thought and felt in that very moment.
How did you experience New York - does the city still meet the mythic expectations and fascination of the 80s? How has it changed in your eyes?
For me, New York still has this mystic feel to it. I mean, it is such a modern and gentrified metropolis and at the same time reminds me of previous decades on almost every corner. For example the metro trains still look exactly the same as on my father’s photographs, old storefronts and rustic pubs - all this really defines the magic to me.
What are your 3 favorite spots on New York? Why are they special to you?
The „Fat Cat“ - one of those rustic, keen taverns with live jazz music, boardgames and affordable beer - I love it!
The Broadway on Upper West side – in between 72nd & 100th ST - very nostalgic to me, as I stayed in this area whenever I went to New York. I love the variety of shops, bars, street stalls, deli shops and diners and: cats hanging around everywhere. So much to see 24/7.
Coney Island - the combination of a beautiful beach and the grotesque theme park in front of it always puts me down memory lane. Only one hour outside of Manhattan but so out of this world, I love to relax by the shore and watch people.