What is growth for you?
I’ve experienced a few distinctive types of growth in my life, the hectic always on in-flux energy of working in a fast paced creative agency, learning every single day, challenges after challenges. And the slowing down, covid-lockdown type meditative induced pause, which was a pivotal moment for my work. Growth is looking back at those experiences and extracting value and teachings from them, but for that you need time to put things into perspective. As I often say, good things take time to grow.
What keeps you grounded?
Lately hiking, it’s been my way to reset. Whenever I feel bad or the need a break I take the train and go to the mountains and hike solo. From one day to multi-day hikes in complete autonomy. It’s super effective. No laptop, minimal phone usage. Sometimes a book. Walking is almost like a therapy for me. This is also usually when I get the best ideas.
How do you connect with nature?
I tend to spend a lot of time in nature. I’ve been living in the countryside since early 2021 and this changed my creative process quite a bit, I’m focusing more on projects with a longer time frame (and refusing ones that are just half a day of shooting). Time passes differently when you’re out of the city. I’ve always been the more contemplative type, so this suits me well.
What is a book that has inspired you?
Among the many books that I’ve been reading to prepare my upcoming two months 88 temples pilgrimage around the Shikoku island in Japan is Shinto by Ian Reader. I’ve read things in the past about religions (Neil MacGregor, Living with the gods is another good one) and Buddhism but never delved into Shinto. It’s fascinating to say the least.
What is your favorite plant?
It is hard to pick just one but if I had to it would be the Monstera deliciosa. And that is not because it’s nicknamed the Swiss cheese plant!
