Meet the Artist: Chris Abatzis
- Where’d it all start?
I worked in graphic design and layout before so I dealt with photos a lot. That kind of work made me realize how much I am a visual person and what grip images have on me, which in the end led me to photography. It just felt like the most natural thing to me - understanding the magic behind an image and creating it myself. And so far it's never lost its grip on me.
- Favorite photo you’ve taken and why?
To be honest I don’t have such a thing. A few years ago I couldn’t even really relate to my photos. It’s a love and hate relationship. Sometimes I find them beautiful, especially when I’m in the process of shooting. The day after I can’t look at them… You know it’s like listening to a recording of your voice, strangely awkward but also intriguing. Luckily I am getting better and better at both. I even started to hang pictures I took in my apartment. Lately, I find myself more and more in situations where I have to talk about my imagery and interact with it, and study it – another daring field!
Find some of the ones I still like here:
- Where do you feel the most inspired?
New surroundings. I need new things around me to create original ideas.
- What advice do you wish you could give your younger self?
Nothing. Everything is a process. Be yourself and try to find out what you like and what you’re good at. And if you’re not good at it yet, try again.
- Favorite photographer or artistic inspiration?
Constantly changing. Really. To name a few: Ren Hang, Helmut Newton, Anton Corbijn, Marina Denisova, Charlotte Lapalus…
- Favorite book, TV show, or movie from the past year?
Unfortunately, I don’t read enough. But what touched me was the book „Nina & Tom“by Tom Kummer who is more known for his legendary Fake Interviews with celebrities.
Not from last year but probably the last TV Show I found outstanding was „Tchernobyl“.
- Last meal on earth? (food, setting, people, etc.)
Napoletanean Pizza Margherita and wine with my closest friends. Don’t care where.