Massimo Vitali Q&A

For a man who spends his working life up scaffolds, turning humdrum, daily life into sweeping vistas, it only seemed appropriate to quiz Massimo Vitali a little further on what his daily routine - actions, thoughts and fears – consists of.

What was the first thing you thought about when you woke up this morning?

Do I really have to bring my wife a coffee?

What do you wear to work?

Carhardt jeans, and malo T shirt

What do you have for breakfast?

Coffee, coffee and coffee... and coffee

Do you read a newspaper/watch television/click online?

I read any newspaper available, in the cafe Turandot in Piazza S. Michele, near my house/studio.

How do you get to work?

Walk downstairs

What time do you first check your inbox?

Between 8.30 and 9.30 but I usually already check any mails from US after midnight.

Where are your desk and chair from?

Chair Ikea, desk indescribable

If you could save only one item from your office/studio what would it be?

My negatives

Do you listen to music whilst you work? If so, what are you listening to at the moment?

I don't listen to music at work.

Where would your ideal lunch be and who would it be with?

At the beach, which sometimes I do, with the lifeguard.

Summarise in three words your work ethos?

Answer all mails

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

That sometimes I postpone things instead of just saying no.

What do you think is the most overrated virtue?

Meekness

Is there any single person that particularly inspires you?

Jeff Wall

Where do you feel most inspired?

When my tripod is set up on the right beach.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

To have transformed the way of taking pictures from the simple search for a photo to remaining static, seeing things from a personal point of view. The concept accounts for more than the photo.

How do you switch off?

I never switch off.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

A photographer. I started when I was 12.

What excites you/terrifies you on a daily basis?

My son, Otto.

Would you like to be your own assistant?

No thank you.

Is there anything about retirement you look forward to?

I hope to die on my tripod. I don't want to retire.

If you could choose to come back as person or thing, who or what would it be?

I might not change as I still have lots to do.