Art and Design
Light Artist Gert Hof
Born in the eastern German state of Saxony region, the 53-year old lives with his wife and 8 year-old son just outside Berlin.
Gert Hof is one of the world's most best-known light show designers. Millions have seen his spectacular laser and firework installations at events in Berlin, Athens, Paris and Sydney. And he's been in charge of visual effects for the German hard rock group, Rammstein since 1995.
How would you describe your personality? I'm uncompromising, to some extent radical and a perfectionist. It's essential in the business.
His own tastes in music are more classical -- his favourite works are those of composer Sergei Rachmaninov. His favourite book is Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time. When it comes to food, what he likes best is Italian salad.
What's your greatest joy? My son is 8 years old. He's always with me because I have little free time. And the time I DO have, I save for him. He's a marvel like all children and winning the trust of an eight year-old or a six year-old is probably the greatest joy you can experience.
What's your secret passion? My secret passion is something I do once a year -- smoking a big cigar. So it's cigars. But I only smoke once a year.
Do you have a personal hero? I have a lot of respect for Michael Schumacher. He's a six-time champion, that's perfection. And that's why he's a hero to so many fans. That's the way it is for me, too. It's a form of hero-worship that I can accept.
How would you describe a good friend? Trust, unquestioning trust. It's very rare. I don't have many friends. But if you look closer, friendship knows no bounds. A You have them when you're successful and in times when you're not so successful; in times of bad health or career stress. Trust is the most important thing you can give and that you can get back in return.
To whom do you own special thanks? The first person would be my son. I'm thankful for him. When I wake up I'm never in a bad mood. Whenever I look in his eyes I can't help but laugh -- I'm just so happy to have him. I would also have to thank my manager. He puts up with me, which isn't always easy.
Do you owe anyone an apology for anything? I can't think of anything. I try to live in such a way I don't have to make apologies. I live according to the motto the biggest weapon you have is the truth. I try to deal with people in a straightforward manner, both in the negative and positive sense.
Do you have any unfulfilled dreams? I would love to do a huge event at the North Pole. I think it would be incredible. It will probably never happen... but it would be nice.
What's the most valuable thing in your life? Most valuable? Probably trust and love. To know there are people you're close to. Those would be my wife, my son, and then maybe two or three friends. To know that you can go to them anytime, day or night, means a lot to me.
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