Art & Innovation & Politics - This is @Schichtmeister x Fusion Friday

Fusion Friday x @Schichtmeister: Fabian Tode

“But what will always distinguish us from machines is this inconceivably great force called creativity. I'm convinced that it's in all of us” – Fabian Tode // @schichtmeister

Not only in the context of our Fusion Fridays, we would like to introduce you to Fabian and his art. With his love for photography and storytelling, he is both a freelancer at BRYCK, a friend of the team and also a passionate advocate of the innovative, critically political and, above all, livable, way of thinking. We asked the Ruhr native how he came to photography, where the speciality lies in it for him and how innovation and inspiration can act hand in hand to promote a future worth living. 

You have discovered photography for yourself. Tell us a little bit about it: What is your story?

FT: Photography has been with me all my life. My father was a passionate photographer, now more of a collector of cameras. I can't remember a time when I didn't take pictures. But it only became more intense after I finished my master's degree and entered the professional world, which I really struggled with. I completely rediscovered photography as a creative outlet for me and posting my photos on Instagram was my incentive to keep going. To this day, it's my contrast program to the daily office routine.

How has your art developed over time? What inspires you?

FT: Over the years, I have personally discovered street photography as my favourite discipline. Here, moments only exist exactly once, and they can never be repeated. Either you are prepared, or the scene is lost forever. It's great! It sharpens the senses and the view of daily life. Especially in Berlin, it's never boring. Street photography has also taught me many things: I accept the imperfect and don't get too angry about wasted scenes anymore, because I always know that the next chance is guaranteed to come back. 

Fusion Friday aims to highlight inspiration as a source of power for innovation: How are inspiration and innovation connected to you?

FT: For me, these are two things that are absolutely closely linked. Photography has always undergone great, technological transformations. In the end, the successful companies have always been those that have taken the next steps in technology together with the people. There have been some questionable decisions along the way, of course, but the important thing is to learn from mistakes and strive to always do better next time. This also includes accepting criticism if it is constructive and not simply destructive. Stagnation, also socially, is never good. But there is also a recognizable trend back to analogue photography. I can strongly relate to the reduced technical complexity and deceleration as well as the haptic feeling of holding printed photos in one's hand. It then feels like a craft again, in whose creative process the result exists as a concrete product - and not just as a little tangible file on the hard drive. And let's be honest: how often do you look at old photos on a laptop? Aren't the time travels in photo books much nicer? But what will always distinguish us from machines is this inconceivably great force called creativity. I'm convinced that it's in all of us, but far too often it's not called upon. My tip: Just ask your fellow human beings about it. It will certainly lead to some nice surprises. 

About the Fusion concept:
At BRYCK we believe in innovation as a lifestyle. Your ideas do not stop after you have left the office. Inspiration doesn't only come while sitting at the desk. We get inspired by our surroundings and different impulses like conversations, books, movies, sports, and music. And these impulses are part of BRYCK. Our events are more than just business meetings - they are fusion events with stimuli from all different genres like art, sports, and music. Think exhibitions, yoga, concerts, functional fit, game nights, and much more. A fusion concept, that inspires on a personal and professional level.

Are you ready to join? Sign up for our next events here!