The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, is the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference. This year it is scheduled to be held in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, between 31 October and 12 November 2021.
Q What is your professional background in the arts?
I haven’t really got one. I was dissuaded to go to art school when I was young (“no money in it”) and went for languages instead. But I have taken art and (traditional) jewellery classes and extracurricular art courses all my life.
Q What inspired you to pursue a career as artist?
My abiding interest in art and the fact that I have always been a compulsive maker - and the wish to wind down my long and interesting career as a translator of non-fiction and do something entirely different while there was still time…
Q When did you first become aware of the climate change crisis? Was there a specific event or person who highlighted this?
I have always carried a deep sadness over our thoughtless treatment of the environment - when I was young, this actually made me a weirdo and a rebel (story of my generation’s life). Climate change was just the logical consequence and did not really surprise me. I do not remember a specific event, unless perhaps the rising opposition against nuclear power in the late 1970s, which caused an about-turn in my up to then still rather conservative political views.
Q Tell us what the relationship between art and environmentalism means to you?
Since I was always drawn to discarded materials for my artwork, there really is no separation at all. Artists look at the world with open eyes, which means that many established viewpoints and categories for them are meaningless. Every material is interesting to me, regardless of whether it is considered “new” or “discarded” and hence, “worthless.” So I guess I always felt that we mindlessly squander resources left and right - we are literally drowning in reuseable wealth. My conscious choice of “worthless material” is meant to open our eyes to the endless possibilities that still exist to steer a different course.
Q What is the role of art in climate change mitigation?
As stated above, artists should have an integral part in it. We are the voice that, hopefully, makes people stop in their tracks, recoil, rethink - and also discover their own creativity and resourcefulness.
Q What is the greatest challenge facing the planet right now in your opinion?
Greed caused by a deep, fear-based aversion to change and the unwillingness to share with our fellow creatures. And the hope that someone else will do for you what you can’t or won’t do yourself (but know you should).
Q What progress have you seen – share a positive news story in regards to climate change action.
When I was a teenager in 1970’s Germany, my country was the same type of tip that the UK is now (except perhaps in the most picturesque countryside). And there was no bottle refund system. That changed within a surprisingly short time and today, the cities and roadsides are, if still not perfect, though as nigh as nigh. And you can hardly buy a bottle (or container) that is not refundable. More innovations are introduced every day. That could happen here as well but think about it - you are actually more that 40 years behind us! And in fairness, I am seeing changes but they are still far too half-hearted (but the same could be said, and is said, about Germany and indeed every country under the sun except perhaps for Bhutan).
Q Who are your favourite Artist(s) who tackle themes of Climate Change?
Banksy, Banksy and Banksy.
Q What message would you like to leave readers with in the wake of COP26?
Don’t give up.
Q What is next for you?
I don’t know there the flow will take me. Ask me again in a few months?
