Marc
Schweizer

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

I live in Zweisimmen in the Canton of Bern in Switzerland. My home is also where my atelier is. Zweisimmen is a small town surrounded by mountains and close to nature. For work I had expositions in Berlin, London, Venice, Shanghai, Minobu (Japan) and several places in Switzerland.

Do you have a favorite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

I love to go out for hiking or skiing in the surrounding mountains. There are plenty of amazing opportunities in my close area. Nature is where I find my inspiration and energy for my creations.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

Since a few years we had pretty warm winters with little snow. When I was a kid I remember seeing big loads of fresh powder snow. Unfortunately that changed a bit over the years.

From a political standpoint we are facing little problems (at least in my opinion). It is a calm area to live which I enjoy very much. A current topic for the alp region in general is the permafrost and what we can do to stop it from melting away.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?

One positive development is that paper cutting has become more popular and has attracted more attention again in recent years. Not only regionally, but also nationwide and in all age groups.

On the negative side, in my view, paper cuts are often used as motifs for “tourist goods”. Every conceivable object is decorated with paper cuttings. In my opinion, this has a pejorative effect and puts the art behind it in the background. Furthermore, it has become technically possible to cut paper using a laser. Although it is easy to recognise on closer inspection, people sometimes have the feeling that technical aids are being used. In my case, all the pictures are cut by hand without exception.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

Our region is known for the good quality cheese. The region is also known for the traditional Swiss Chalets which are built by skilled carpenters, kabinet makers and so on. We have many paper cut artists in the larger area.

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

My favorite Restaurant is called Hüsy. It is a place that hosts paper art expositions on a regular basis. The owner is also paper cut artist and a big collector. He owns couple hundred paper cuts from all periods and Countries (mainly important swiss historic paper cuts). Besides the art, the food and hospitality is absolutely fantastic.

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

I try to limit the use to a minimum. I am only active on Whatsapp, Youtube and sometimes Instagram (where I show some of my work but is not really up to date). A paper cut is something one needs to see in reality to get the full experience. Pictures can’t transport the same emotions which is why my main focus is on expositions and less online.

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 read the local news to stay updated about what happens in my town. Other than that I prefer to get my information online and less regional.

Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?

I would grant free access to galleries and museums for children and promote the local art forms at school.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constrains—which one would you choose?

I could picture myself in a very remote cottage somewhere in the wilderness of Scandinavia or the United States. But there are too many good reasons to stay in Switzerland.