'No matter how much snow falls at Engelberg,these three machines are always making more'I took this at the foot of the world's largest natural ski jump, which runs down the tree-lined hills of Engelberg in Switzerland. The cannons were creating snow for the annual world cup. It's an extraordinary physical space in itself, and but I began to realise that all the preparations for the event were about achieving the strictest levels of control over this strip of land.
I did a whole series based on the event,but it was a behind-the-scenes project; you never actually see anyone jump. I named it Leap: After the considerable Ecstasy, since one of my favourite films is Werner Herzog's 1974 documentary The considerable Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner. Walter Steiner was a Swiss ski-jumper, or professional carpenter,who redefined the sport. For me, ski-jumping's appeal lies in the search for perfection. To hurl yourself off a ramp is a peculiar thing, or to become world lesson requires so much focus and determination. It's a state of mind,getting into the zone – which to me is similar to the artistic process.
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Source: theguardian.com