I am young (22) and the answers reflect my current mind situation. I am sure, a lot will change in the future.

What is the best thing that I love about my work?My art is the best option to express myself, show my inner world. I have huge problems to show my feelings in other ways than through my artistic work.

What is my idea of perfect happiness? Not achieveable but having a purpose and being sure to do/have done everything possible to make progress regarding it, gives a certain satisfaction. To remain faithful to his principles is also very important.

What is my greatest fear? „Fear of artificial life“ Having to live a „standard“ everyday life, being one of billions that cannot be thereselves/have to do jobs that have nothing to do with their individual being and don‘t bring them further. Having to make money to stay alive and staying alive just to make money. Having to live without a girlfriend/wife for the rest of my life.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Not being able to show my feelings, especially to women.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? Eric Lacombe, Peter Gric, Anton-Constantin Anastassov, Paul Cristina, Adam Sturch…

What is my greatest extravagance? Continiouus change of emotions, happy/depressed/angry… at the same time every day.

On what occasion would I lie? If someone askes me about what burdens me I rarely say the truth. I don‘t see a lot of sense in that (telling my „problems“).

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I am not yet able to express myself enough, I have to go deeper.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? When creating my favorite piece so far („Please touch me – Don‘t let me alone with my demons“). The creation process was freeminded which resultet in a harmonic piece, belanced between all emotions/feelings.

If I could, what would I change about myself? Remove my shyness, make it possible that I‘m able to say what I think/feel in every situation.

What is my greatest achievement in work? Seeing people care about my work and the person/thoughts behind it.

What do the words ‚The Financial Freedom to Create‘ mean to me? Not having to do a job besides, that has nothing to do with my artistic work.

Where would I most like to live? No clue. Haven‘t travelled much. I‘m happy with Germany so far.

What is my most treasured possession? The key to eternal life.

What is my most marked characteristic? My dry humor and that I never adjust myself (if possible).

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? None. I live in a village. It‘s quiet. I always work at home i my little room. Nothing inspirational about it but not bad either.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? The only place to eat here is my home, haha. Ok, we have one restaurant and that‘s really
good.

What books influenced my life and how? Harry Potter guided me through my childhood but I wouldn‘t say that it influenced me.

Who are my favorite writers? I don‘t know many, don‘t read a lot anymore. I can say J. K. Rowling.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?„Where is my mind?“ by the Pixies. And watch the movie, especially the ending scene which I absolutely love.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Hm, hard question. I say Snape from Harry Potter – a very controversial deep character.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? My parents and artistic companions that never gave up and made it to the top.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? Fightclub – characters, plot, twist – all superb

What role plays art in my life and work? It gives me a purpose, a reason to stay alive. Who am I when I not create?

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My father and family in general. They support what I do as much as possible. They teached me to be myself.

Whom would I like to work with in 2017? Group exhibition with Eric Lacombe would be badass. Could take a few years though. Galleries around my location.

Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2017?
Eric Lacombe, Anton-Constantin Anastassov

What project, in 2017, am I looking forward to work on? No specific project, just improving and making progress.

Where can you see me or my work in 2017?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schlaiss/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tomschlaiss
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomschlaiss/
Video about my work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uObNpnaryM
Have been with my work in Italy and New York this year. Want to exhibit more local now.

What do the words „Passion Never Retires“ mean to me?  „Passion“ is self explainable. It‘s not a quick appearance, it‘s your lifestory, the purpose of your life, no wasted time. It doesn‘t retire like the behated job you wasted half of your lifetime with
and finally retire from at the age of 70. It is what defines you.

Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story?
Anton-Constantin Anastassov, Kresimir Cuk, Adam Sturch

How can you contact me?
Just send me a message on my art page or to my email:
My Art Page:  https://www.facebook.com/schlaiss/
Email: schlaiss@gmx.de