Photography: Christian Cervantes

What is growth for you?

To learn something new, try something different. Especially as an artist – the classical idea is to find ‘your way/your style’ and then to stick to it (e.g. Oh, that is a … [fill in artist name]…). I don’t believe in that, so that is why as an artist I have created restaurants, shot films, installations, co-founded an art center, wrote a children’s book etc.

What keeps you grounded?

I used to live in three cities, now in two. Whatever works in one city – doesn’t work in the other. The values, the rules, the understanding, has to be rethought.You can’t take things for granted and you have to question your own certainties.

How do you connect with nature?

This is a difficult question because it really depends on how we define ‘nature’ / ‘connect to nature’. The closest one might say here in Austria is, for example, going up the mountains or getting out of the city. I hardly do that. So perhaps I would define it as being completely by myself even in the busiest street and observing everything around me.

What is a book that has inspired you?

I am reading Moby Dick (Herman Melville) right now. It is one of the greatest books, because it is not only a book – it’s a novel, a stage play, a poem, a diary. It covers so many genres of writing and storytelling!

What is your favorite plant?

I was in Mexico a few years ago and ‘discovered’ Nopal. It is such a beautiful plant, grows everywhere easily, and on top of it its very nutritious and delicious. I was invited by a chef to create a dish and we made Nopal-Tempura! Try it!