What characterises Palatin’s work above all is his enthusiasm for experimentation. Over the years, he has constantly tried out new haptic shapes & colour glazes. His inventiveness was also required when working on his ceramic boxes. As porcelain loses 15% of its volume during firing, it is quite a challenge to ensure that both parts – box and lid – match in the end. To achieve this, Palatin draws the dimensions with very fine lines on an alabaster block, which he then moulds into the right shape and sands until the two parts fit together harmoniously. Only then will the porcelain shrink evenly during firing. Through his experiments, Palatin tests the limits of what is feasible and constantly finds new forms and surfaces.
© Courtesy of the artist
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I live and work in Vienna and Mödling, where I can also fire my porcelain pieces in my studio.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
When I want to relax, I go hiking in the surrounding Viennese forest or go to one of the charming coffee houses such as the „Schopenhauer“ coffee house in Vienna Währing. You can also buy books there and borrow them to read at the table.
© Mödling Tourism Office
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
I find it very worrying that here, but also throughout Europe, populist parties are on the rise, using fear-mongering to call democratic achievements into question without being able to offer humane solutions themselves. I am disappointed by the people who fall for these charlatans. The biggest role model is of course in the USA ….
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?
On the one hand, it is advantageous that people can get better information from reputable sources on the internet, but on the other hand it also allows the misleading fake news to spread their false “truths“ and make people feel insecure.
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
A true institution is the very high-quality glass and chandelier production company J. & L. Lobmeyr, which treats its tradition responsibly and at the same time is open to new ideas. Countless great glass products with international designers have been realized by this unique company. The store in Kärntner Strasse 26 is one of the most beautiful in Vienna.
©J. & L. Lobmeyr
Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?
My home town of Mödling has recognised that art in public spaces makes the town itself more attractive and has commissioned the artist Gundi Dietz to design a water mile with 3 beautiful fountains in the Hauptstraße, which give this street a special character with more joie de vivre.
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
The restaurant Augora Fermente (Stumpergasse 1 A) specializes in the organic fermentation of food, where you can eat and buy these delicious dishes. From natty, tempeh, kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut to fermented pepper – there are many surprising flavors here.
©Augora Fermente
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
In Vienna, near the Naschmarkt (Kettenbrückengasse 20), there is a very special store with the name Besen und Spaghetti. The owner Christian Jauernik sells here what he personally likes and has discovered in various countries around the world. From practical, unusual items such as hand-tied brooms, German knives, ceramics from Morocco, iron pans to foodstuffs that hardly any other store has in its range. He has also founded a cultural association to encourage analog buying.
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
I prefer to inform myself by reading quality newspapers such as Standard, Presse and Profil and I still trust the public broadcasters like ORF, Das Erste, 3Sat and Arte. For special topics I inform myself on the internet.
Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?
I would organize regular meetings with young people in particular, but without party political interests, where current issues and problems can be discussed in detail. And I would include more art in public spaces …
© Mödling Tourism Office
One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constrains – which one would you choose?
In Provence.
© Courtesy of the artist
