SH: Why should anyone care about art in this day and age? When there are so many images we see on the internet, why does art matter? Is now a good time to be an artist?
DV: Hmmmm…that’s’ a tricky question. It’s always good to express yourself creatively, and as an artist, you can find a wider audience through the internet. On the other hand, everyone seems to be an #artist #photographer #model #musician #designer #DJ and and and…which makes it hard to get attention because of all the "picture noise" that floods our vision every single day, 24/7.
Everyone should care about art. Art is a reflection of what is going on in the world. Art is a very powerful tool, maybe even more powerful than politics. It makes people think, and inspires people to change things for the better. Art brings people together. The Internet is great for research but to experience real art you need to get off your ass and go see a show or go visit a museum.
Art is essential to being human.
SH: What music were you listening to when you created your mosaic portrait of Barack Obama?
DV: I was listening to bands
like Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age or Motorhead and music that most people would describe as noise.
SH:
Was that image influenced by the work of Martin Schoeller?
DV: I reached out to fellow German photographer, Martin Schoeller, and asked him if he minded if I used his portrait of President Obama as inspiration for my (7 foot tall) mosaic portrait made with thousands of U.S. stamps - and he was totally cool with it.
SH: Do you think its romantic to be an artist?
DV: No, I don’t think so. Being an artist is more like a roller coaster ride. Sometimes it wasn't easy when I was in my late 20's early 30's, watching all my friends buying cars and going on holidays twice a year while I was walking everywhere because I didn’t have a car and not taking the trains just to save 5€ for groceries. If you're one of the lucky ones who can make a living with your passion, everything was worth while.
SH: What advice would you give young artists working today?
DV: VODKA, SODA AND LIME, it tastes good, gets you buzzed and no hangover.
SH: Why did you go and work in Bali?
DV
: I went to Bali because I wanted a break from the city, surf, sit and stare at the ocean for awhile. I thought its not a bad idea to work on my mosaic artworks in an endless summer location with coconuts and rum!
SH: 4 Star hotels or sleeping on the beach?
DV:
Sleeping on a beach! I like the simple life and I don't like when people serve me…its a strange feeling.
SH: I saw that you posted an image on Facebook of Marlon Brando flipping the bird with both middle fingers, why that photo?
DV:
Hahaha, yes, I love him! Marlon Brando was just very very cool, and he never gave a shit about other people’s opinions.
