At the desk with: Stefan Marx
Wilde+Spieth × Herz&Blut
How does an artist work? Together with Herz&Blut we checked in with Stefan Marx and talked to him about creative work, colors and flexible interiors.
Where are we exactly?
We are at my studio in Berlin Reinickendorf. We share our space with musicians and visual artists.
What is your studio like? Where is your desk? What did you pay attention to?
The desk is sometimes here, sometimes there, but mostly in good light and also in the middle of the room. When working on large formats, everything in the studio has to be flexible. It is important to be able to easily dismantle the desk in order to work on larger pieces horizontally; a small, additional work table can also be set up.
What do you do at your desk?
I usually sit at my desk to draw and paint, to write and to make phone calls. Sometimes with someone to drink coffee or to do some work on my laptop. But mostly I draw there, that's still the best thing.
What is your everyday life like?
My everyday life looks quite versatile. I often draw at home, where I have a second workstation. During breaks, I usually go outside, talk to the other artists or musicians here at the studio space or hang out on the sofa.
I love being tidy and no longer having to see the work that has already been done, then there is more space to tackle new things and have a clearer view of the future.
Stefan Marx
On the one hand you are known for large-scale black and white pieces, on the other hand you also work a lot with colours. How do you make your decisions regarding color? What influences your color palette?
Basically, I love to draw or express things in simple ways, and black and white is my first choice. I also have a lot of fun with colors, which can turn out very differently. I used to work a lot with watercolors, since 2016 I have been drawing landscapes in an extensive range of pastels. Ever since I've been making monotopes, I've been using a lot of shades that I mix from pure pigment. These often reinforce the typefaces and word works in a certain way.
Creative chaos or structured system?
Preferably structured, chaos takes place somewhere else, so it helps to arrange the environment in a reasonably orderly manner and to provide it with structure. I love being tidy and no longer having to see the work that has already been done, then there is more space to tackle new things and have a clearer view of the future.
How do you choose the pieces of furniture that make it into the studio? And what are the design elements that promote your creative work?
The furniture should be functional and look good. Design classics make it in right away, but young furniture ideas from my circle of friends can also be found in the studio. And an old, yellow folding chair that I saved from throwing away in 2001 is also included. Somehow I like that one.
What must not be missing from your workplace?
Paper, Light and Silence.
Find out more about Stefan Marx and Herz&Blut
Photography: Jules Villbrandt (Herz&Blut)
Production: Maison Palmé