Inspired while self-isolating (5)

Inspired while self-isolating: Andre Beekmans

Andre is renowned for being inventive and thinking out-of-the-box as a designer, programmer and operator. His company, The Art of Light, works globally on producing visual shows for some of the largest tours, festivals, music artists and corporate events as well as imagineering stunning interior designs for clubs and intricate and thoughtful art installations. Music clients include Armin van Buuren, AfroJack and Tiesto among many others.

Andre: At home in Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

Robe: What are you doing to fill the time whilst isolating / on lockdown?

Andre: We’re lucky that we don’t have a total lockdown in the Netherlands so I’m allowed to go to our office / studio where I spend some time organizing the company, but most of my time I am spending researching and training on new software, and new features in drawing tools and consoles. It’s also a perfect time to take some rest and take care of your physical and mental health with sports.

Robe: What’s the most creative thing you’re able to do in isolation?

Andre: Creating concepts and design for potential and future projects. I always have many ideas in my head and it’s good to be able to let the creative process take its course. Usually, I am pushed for time, it’s perfect to deep dive into the creation of virtual concepts.

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis?

Andre: Yes, my girlfriend and our two cats and of course my family. Luckily, we are all in good health.

Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?

Andre: Not anyone specific but I love to see all the interaction right now on webinars and live streams, where people share their thoughts and visions on certain tools or workflows.

Andre: At home in Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

Robe: What are you doing to fill the time whilst isolating / on lockdown?

Andre: We’re lucky that we don’t have a total lockdown in the Netherlands so I’m allowed to go to our office / studio where I spend some time organizing the company, but most of my time I am spending researching and training on new software, and new features in drawing tools and consoles. It’s also a perfect time to take some rest and take care of your physical and mental health with sports.

Robe: What’s the most creative thing you’re able to do in isolation?

Andre: Creating concepts and design for potential and future projects. I always have many ideas in my head and it’s good to be able to let the creative process take its course. Usually, I am pushed for time, it’s perfect to deep dive into the creation of virtual concepts.

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis?

Andre: Yes, my girlfriend and our two cats and of course my family. Luckily, we are all in good health.

Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?

Andre: Not anyone specific but I love to see all the interaction right now on webinars and live streams, where people share their thoughts and visions on certain tools or workflows.

Inspired in self-isolation: Eran Klein

Based in Israel, Eran designs spaces and lighting together with his team at Cochavi&Klein. They create fabulous immersive visual environments and experiences for a wide variety of special events – from raves and rock ‘n’ roll shows to fixed lighting installations, from art works to architectural projects.

Robe: Where are you right now?

Eran: I am at home in Israel, in a small town called Even Yehuda about 35 min north of Tel Aviv.

Robe: What are you doing to fill the time whilst isolating / on lockdown?

Eran: Nearly everything is cancelled, postponed or suspended … however, we are still working on some of our architectural projects.

We are designing a couple of other projects that are planned for September (at this stage who knows if they will happen!)

I am watching some of the documentaries I didn't have time for. I listen to more music that people are sharing with me – and thanks to our job we know the right people with great taste in music!

And most importantly I am spending much more time with my family and reading more!

Robe: What’s the most creative thing you’re able to do in isolation?

Eran: Other than daydreaming and staring into space ... I guess my cooking!

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis?

Eran: Yes, I live very near to my mother.

Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?

Eran: Yes, I hear and relate to a lot of spiritual thoughts about this period. The positive side of the pandemic. The opportunities this holds for us as humans, as individuals and a society.

On the artistic level, just before lockdown I met Eyal Gever (an amazing and highly original artist using technology to explore and examine issues surrounding the human spirit, ecology and global issues).

Robe: Favourite book / movie / Netflix series / viral video

Eran: Now it is Fauda (Israeli TV series developed by Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff drawing on their experiences in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF))

Robe: What’s the first thing you’d like to do when we are through it?

Eran: I miss the Ocean and creating live lighting for music.

Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you’d like to say?

Eran: I feel blessed to have worked with so many amazing people. The entertainment industry is a magical place. We can enjoy music, art and vibes that uplift the spirit and make people come together and be happy (even if just for a little while).

We can work more on the focus. On the deeper meaning, on the objective.

I was thinking of ways to change the industry! I mean we all (designers) can maybe have a giant design resource which will help one another. A design library free to use. Shared information and experiences.

I feel this pandemic is a chance to try and reset the way we worked before – maybe there is a better way that is more effective for everybody!

Inspired in self-isolation: Chus Fernández

Lighting Designer Chus Fernandez is based in Madrid, Spain, and was busy working on a design for the Prometo Solidario concert in Madrid by musician, singer and songwriter Pablo Alborán, as well as lighting a Symphony Orchestra and preparing the second part of pop singer Manuel Carrasco’s “La Cruz del Mapa” tour.

Robe: Where are you right now?

Chus: In Madrid, where I live.

Robe: How are you spending time whilst isolating / on lockdown?

Chus: I am taking advantage of the time to study and acquire new knowledge and also work up ideas and designs for future events.

Robe: What’s the most creative thing you’re able to do whilst in isolation?

Chus: Ensure that my life is safe as well as that of everyone around me.

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis? Like neighbours or others in the family?

Chus: Yes, my son and daughter. But really, they have also had to take care of me for almost two weeks because I was seven days with a fever … so I thank my children.

Robe: Has anyone particularly inspired you since this crisis started?

Chus: The solidarity and patience of the people.

Robe: What has been your favourite book / movie / Netflix or TV series / viral video / game / music?

Chus: All the many webinars related to the entertainment industry and its various technologies.

Robe: What’s the first thing you’d like to do when we are through this crisis?

Chus: Hug my family and friends … and take a long walk with my dog in the countryside.

Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you’d like to say?

Chus: Take good care of yourself everyone and remember that health is the most important thing in life! Stay safe and well.

Inspired in self-isolation: Pablo Pulido

Pablo is the lighting designer in charge of the main ballet company – Ballet Nacional Sodre – in Uruguay. Right Now, he’s working on upcoming tours for the company which will be Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty and also working on designs for local productions for when the quarantine and lockdown finishes.

Immediately before the Coronavirus pandemic, the company was performing the Mauricio Wainrot's ballet adaptation of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire and the next productions in the schedule would have been Francesco Ventriglia's Wizard of Oz, the classical ballet Giselle and a new production based on Mario Benedetti's novel, La Tregua.

Pablo also works as a teacher of lighting workshops in a multidisciplinary art school.

Robe: Where are you right now?

Pablo: I am at home in the city of Montevideo, Uruguay – the smallest country in South America.

Robe: How are you spending time whilst isolating / on lockdown?

Pablo: I'm implementing online classes for my students at the art school and attending different webinars and online courses.

Robe: What’s the most creative thing you’re able to do whilst in isolation?

Pablo: Spending time with my family, cooking, and developing methods to save time at work.

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis? Like neighbours or others in the family?

Pablo: I’m looking after my family: my son, my wife and my dog, and also taking care of everyone around me, hoping that this situation will pass soon.

Robe: Has anyone particularly inspired you since this crisis started?

Pablo: I am inspired by all the artistic and cultural initiatives that different communities around the world have developed: groups of musicians performing pieces from their own homes; ballet companies that have designed choreographies while being isolated from each other …  and all the artists who contributed with their creations to help us get through this moment. Their energy has underlined the importance of art in our lives.

Robe: What has been your favourite book / movie / Netflix or TV series / viral video / Games / music?

Pablo: My top readings are the collection of horror stories by Edgar Allan Poe, and I also love a lot of different titles related to my field like Light Bytes by Wayne Howell and La luz, melodía del arte escénico written by several lighting designers.

In terms of series, I really enjoy documentaries and content like Abstract – The Art of Design (an in-depth look at computers and contemporary design with some of the world's most highly regarded designers) and The Defiant Ones (four-part American TV documentary series, directed by Allen Hughes focusing on the careers of and partnership between Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre, co-founders of Beats Electronics).

Robe: What’s the first thing you’d like to do when we are through this crisis?

Pablo: I will visit my parents and take a walk with my family on the beautiful coast of the River Plate. We miss the sunsets enjoying the local mates – our national essential drink.

Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you’d like to say?

Pablo: Stay positive, stay balanced, be united and give help to those who need it

Inspired in self-isolation: Chris Moylan

Chris is one of the most successful German lighting designers working on a diverse cross-section of live, theatrical, industrial and special events. He has been LD for leading DJ Paul van Dyk for many years and is responsible for the current Friedrichstadt Palast theatre show in Berlin as well as planning and supervising shows aboard the current fleet of TUI cruise ships as LD. He is also regularly commissioned as a lighting designer by major automotive event agencies.

Robe: Where are you right now?

Chris: At home like every good citizen! (in Berlin)

I caught the virus pretty early on somewhere in my travels, so was in quarantine for the initial weeks of the lockdown.

Robe: What are you doing to fill the time while isolating?

Chris: Until now I’ve been filling in as a cook, nurse, handyman, tutor, masseuse, maid, and dishwasher… Also, I’m involved in a few long-term projects that are still being developed on which I can continue to work!

Between these and all the other stuff…. not getting bored just yet!

Robe: What is the most creative thing you’re able to do in isolation?

Chris: Baking! Just made some amazing peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Seriously!

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the crisis?

Chris: Yep, servicing the family as best I can – see above.

Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?

Chris: The people who understood the danger of this pandemic early – I basically ignored it until some people I trusted explained the seriousness of it to me.

Robe: Favourite book / movie / Netflix series / viral video

Chris: Book - Catch 22 by Joseph Heller.

produced, and directed by Wes Anderson)

Netflix Series - Fargo (an American black comedy crime drama anthology TV series)

Viral Video - Anything from Bad Lip Reading! www.youtube.com/watch (definitely worth a watch!)

Robe: What’s the first thing you’d like to do when we are through this?

Chris: After quarantine, the first thing will be a long bike ride around the lake. And when showbiz comes back online, I can’t wait for my first live show. My fingers are getting itchy :)

Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you’d want to say?

Chris: Treat this time as a gift! Spend it doing something you usually don’t or can’t. Relax, Regroup, Reinforce, and get ready to rock – people need entertainment and culture, and we will ride again soon!

Inspired in self-isolation: Elena Drevaliova

Elena is a lighting designer at the world-famous and renowned Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Russia.

Robe: Where are you right now?

Elena: At my suburban cottage in lockdown.

Robe: What are you doing to fill the time while isolating?

Elena: Despite these sad circumstances, I consider this situation as a unique opportunity to work on ongoing ideas and plans. I use every minute of this unexpected vacation! At the same time, I pray that this pandemic will be over as soon as possible. I’m monitoring the situation in Russia and around the world.

Robe: What is the most creative thing you’re able to do in isolation?

Elena: Too many! It depends on your creative needs! Self-educating and working on future projects and more unusual ideas.

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the crisis?

Elena: Yes, my family – parents and children – and my friends.

Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?

Elena: Love! And the desire to be helpful and useful!

Robe: Favourite book / movie / Netflix series / viral video

Elena: I love brilliant things that make my heart beat faster. Unfortunately, I don’t read a lot, but I watch many premieres.

Robe: What’s the first thing you’d like to do when we are through this crisis?

Elena: To say, “Thank you”!

Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you’d want to say?

Elena: That is a question with no answer! Why did this happen?

Take care of yourself and your loved ones!