Momentum is your best friend!

I was recently asked what it feels like to show work at major art fairs such as Paris Photo, AIPAD, or Photo London. Of course, I feel deeply excited and grateful about it. But more than anything else, I experience it as a privilege — and honestly, as something humbling.

To know that my works are presented on the walls of these important fairs through galleries that believe in me enough to take enormous financial risks is something I never take for granted. I cannot thank my galleries often enough. Without their trust, dedication, and commitment to my work, I would not be where I am today. I also feel incredibly privileged to be able not only to sustain my travels and photography through my art, but to live from it.

I honestly do not consider myself talented. Picasso once said that talent is overrated — and I believe there is truth in that. Talent may exist, but it needs to find you working. Relentlessly working. Thats also from Picasso.

A few years ago, I decided that I wanted to become one of the hardest working Photographers/Artist. I turned photography into my way of life. Without that level of dedication, I am sure I would not be where I am today.

Years ago, during a leadership development class, I learned about the principle of momentum.

I think of it as a giant flywheel.

A flywheel is extremely heavy. In the beginning, it takes enormous effort just to make it move. You push and push, and often it feels as if nothing is happening. It is exhausting. You feel as though the wheel will never complete a turn on its own. Every bit of energy has to come from you. And if you stop pushing, even briefly, the wheel slows down again, forcing you to start almost from the beginning.

But if you continue pushing consistently, something changes.

The wheel slowly gains momentum. It turns faster. It stores energy. Eventually, after enough time and enough persistence, it begins moving with force on its own. At that point, you no longer need to push constantly just to keep it alive. You push from time to time to maintain its speed — or to accelerate it even further.

I believe momentum is one of the most important forces in the life of an artist. It creates energy. It opens doors. It carries you through moments of doubt and exhaustion. And once the wheel is turning fast enough, it becomes very difficult for it to change direction. The energy itself keeps you moving forward.

Without dedication and consistency, I know my own flywheel would never have started turning.

Today I can feel that momentum very clearly. New ideas appear constantly. New projects emerge. New discoveries happen. New galleries contact me. New exhibitions develop. And because I am always working, always searching, always creating, more opportunities continue to open — including doors to important art fairs.

But building that momentum is difficult. For some people, it may even feel impossible.

I also know my own limitations. I do not have endless energy, and over the years I learned the importance of focus. Everything in life costs energy and time. Because of that realization, I made some very difficult decisions. I changed some habits like ending computer gaming, I distanced myself from relationships and friendships that continuously drained my energy instead of helping me move forward.

My circle became much smaller.

I chose to stay close to people who genuinely help me push that heavy flywheel — people who believe in me, want me to succeed, and are willing to tell me the truth when necessary.

Surround yourself with people who celebrate your growth, your vision, and your passion.

Of course, momentum alone is never a guarantee for success. But without the willingness to work hard, to stay committed, and to continue pushing even when nothing seems to move, I believe it is almost impossible to build something meaningful and to what people call “to make it”.

Get your flywheel moving.