Paul Barbera with Faan Olgers for Where They Create

What is something that I would be surprised to find in your space?
Everything that I have made would surprise you.. Hahaha, I like to give myself a compliment sometimes :))

Describe your ideal work space in three words. 
It should be Silent, spacious and continuous (I don’t want to get the feeling that I might have to leave soon.)

Whats the best advice you’ve been given and from whom?
If it concerns my art, I really can’t remember to have had a good useful advice. I see this work as a very lonesome adventure in which I have to solve my own problems, find my own way. I ask myself these questions and I will have to answer them. More often than not, advice from someone from outside can be rather painful as they usually never truly understand the nature of my work.

You are a hard worker, there are so many pieces in here, how long have you worked on this?
I am a boring man, I am always working, this is everything I do, six days a week, it’s like an addiction. The problem is that I sometimes get the feeling that I didn’t make anything at all, which is a very strange feeling. There’s always more to explore. I’ve had a studio for 30 years, I can’t imagine not having a studio.

Where did you find the courage to follow your own path?
When I was a young boy I didn’t feel at ease most of the time. I did have some regular jobs here and there, but the only place where I felt good was in a museum, an art gallery and later on in my studio. So in a sense there wasn’t really a choice. Art choose me, you could say. Now, 40 + years in, my work is all I think off, like the need for sex or food, almost an addiction. I can’t stop it, I have to do it. When I don’t work I feel restless and unsatisfied.

What is the most productive practical tip you could impart onto a fellow creative?
Be focussed. The artworld is rather tyrannical and I don’t think you can do this if you’re not all-in. You have to be able to fully focus, lock yourself up with the things you wan’t to do, without any distractions. You can’t be lazy. Whenever you feel discouraged you have to keep in mind that it’s always temporary. You’ll also have to find your own unique way and you’ll have to really find out what it is that YOU want to do. Be unique and never follow trends.