- Paul Herbst
- Posted on 23 Jul by Jack Lowe · Art & Design · photography
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68 Likes
Hi Paul, how is everything going at the moment?
Right now I'm experiencing one of the greatest mindfucks in my life. Thanks for asking! But as far as I know, my most successful work emerges from confusion, discomfort and uneasiness. I predict that there are so many good pictures to come this year.
What are you working on at the moment? Are you feeling inspired or are you in a bit of a rut?
I'm working on a second volume of 'My Shit is Gold' zine (first one will be released on Mörel Books pretty soon). I have some side projects as well - a relationship with my girlfriend (I'm trying to work on that really hard). I feel inspired by that one. I'm not sure about another side project. One was on my mind for a while but I can't remember it now.
Have you experimented in different mediums like painting or sculpture?
I tried myself in collage, painting, drawing and graffiti and believe me that I really sucked at all these things. I'm happy that I switched to photography three or four years ago. That's somehow (but I'm still not sure how) connected to the fact that I finally stopped doing drugs.
Sometimes I find the photographic medium limiting in terms of expression and I would like to experiment with sculpture or film in the future. I actually did one piece - a black box with my favourite red sweater and two burnt knifes crossed on it. That was totally accidental, but it looks great. I would show you, but I lost it somewhere.
It seems to me you shoot a lot of still life. In fact, even when there are people in your photos, they have their faces obscured or turned away from the camera. They feel like static still life shots. What appeals to you about this detached method of working?
I must say that you've made a very accurate observation. Almost all my work is still life. That's mainly because I'm on tense terms with other people and I have an autistic personality. Things appeal to me more than most human beings.
Do you feel that photographers need to constantly break new ground and experiment with different techniques of representation in the same way a 'contemporary artist' might feel obliged to at the moment?
Sorry, but I don't know.
What's the best way to get back into taking photos if you ever feel uninspired?
I feel a great urge for taking pictures after having sex. Looking at some books by Wolfgang Tillmans usually helps a lot.
What are your plans for the rest of the year? New shows or projects coming up?
Not sure... not sure about this. I'm going to be depressed for a while (if that counts).
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