A city where things just work

How long have you lived and worked in Chemnitz?
I was born in Karl-Marx-Stadt. I lived in the Straße der Nationen until I was 23 years old. So I've really seen and experienced a lot in this city.

Have you always photographed the city? Did you always want to be a photographer?
No, I only started late. At some point, my father gave me an SLR camera as a present. The maternity centre then asked if I could photograph pregnant women. An exhibition followed and it was immediately well attended and popular. After training in web design, I set up my own business in 2003. And then set up the studio here in 2005.

So you were able to win over the people of Chemnitz straight away?
It wasn't easy. It was a multiple burden: children and self-employment. But I got a lot of support from my circle of friends. I still get the encouragement, tailwind and motivation I need when the ice gets thin. People who come to me now know what they can expect: a complete, personalised, high-quality photo shoot. Many come on recommendation. Not only from Chemnitz, but also from Switzerland, Hamburg, Berlin and Leipzig.

What do these foreigners say about the city?
Most of them used to live here and now live and work somewhere else. And yet they keep coming back. Mostly at Christmas, of course, to see their family. I have three daughters, two of whom live in Leipzig and come back here regularly. My youngest daughter is in Cambridge for a while and wrote: "Chemnitz will always be the city where my heart lives." That's a wonderful, emotional statement for a young girl who still wants to see and experience a lot and still has this strong feeling. They also feel at home somewhere else, but I myself am still home for my children.

You are currently working on a photo project called "No war in my name". Every Monday, women flock to your studio to be photographed with a statement about peace. There are now 458 pictures. Why are you doing this?
I was approached by three women from the Stadtstreicher. They had seen a picture on Facebook by Kai Meinig, a graphic designer and illustrator who used to work for the zebra advertising agency, among others. He had photographed himself with the statement "No war in my name" and posted this picture as his profile picture. They also wanted to be photographed with this statement and then post the picture. During the conversation, it quickly became clear that this was going to be a campaign and I was keen to do something non-commercial. After the first shoots, it was clear that other slogans would also be added. My theme is more "Love is all you need". It's emotional, "peace'ig" and the basis for everything. 50 to 60 women came to the first Monday shoots. Then there were 80 to 90, and it took on an incredible momentum of its own. There is a need to take a stand, to demonstrate. There is now a huge range of statements. Initiatives against wars are springing up all around us at the moment. I simply see myself as a multiplier here.

You wanted to keep the campaign going until the end of October. What's next?
Yes, that's what I said. But now I can't just jump off the moving train. I'm still taking photos for this campaign. Next Monday there will be 500 statement portraits. The women post their pictures, share them, like them. The whole virtual package. They also have their pictures developed and hang them up in places where they work, live, live, teach and learn. There are various ideas for the current first 500 pictures, from flash mobs to giant posters - but all of this first has to be organised, financed and carried out alongside the "normal" Christmas business.

Do you have a different view of Chemnitz now after the photo project?
No, I'm just very happy with the project. Also with my decision to only photograph women. The message is clearer, more emotional and more powerful.

Are there any places in Chemnitz that are particularly good to photograph?
I love the Schönherrfabrik, the old "snotty" walls, chipped tiles. But even there, it's getting harder and harder to find something like that. The castle pond is also a beautiful place. I liked to use the pavilion as a motif, which unfortunately no longer works at the moment because of the barriers. And of course the Kaßberg. I am a passionate Kaßbergian.

What is special for you there?
I find almost everything I need to live and be happy on the Kaßberg. My friends, greenery, a good bookseller and the neighbourhood pubs: the aaltra, the Baden wine bar, the coach with the assisted drinking, Emma's uncle. Now the "Grüne Helene" has opened. And the "Haamit", a stationery shop. Something like that really enhances the neighbourhood.

What would Chemnitz need to upgrade the city?
Going out spontaneously is rather difficult for people over 35. I like going to the Weltecho or the aaltra. But what else is there? I prefer a more urban feel. It often doesn't take much to feel at home. Friends who like to party, a club, good music and an understanding neighbourhood - a mild or loud summer evening at the good old open-air stage, concerts, cinema - just a relaxed neighbourhood. A lot of tolerance is needed here - not just from young to old - and a creative approach from our city council to bring some light into the darkness of the nights. I know some young people who left Chemnitz and then came back. Because they don't want to live in a larger, more confusing city, such as Berlin, Düsseldorf or Hamburg. They have more of a desire for a city where things work more simply. Where they have their club. Of course, when this is repeatedly ironed out, when your favourite clubs are closed again and again, then you start to despair - and not just as a young person. It's a shame that local residents don't understand this.

Do you have to encourage the people of Chemnitz?
I think the people of Chemnitz who are here are in this city very consciously. This is home. I don't think the city's cultural development is gloomy. Because there are always many people who want to do something here, who won't give up. Like the Atomino, even though it has had to move so often. Maybe people will think about moving to another city. But there you have to start from scratch. Leaving behind everything you've built up here. I wouldn't want that. When someone complains, I think: do your own thing. Don't just stand there and point at the others. There are so many people who get involved. And they organise great things. I have my favourite corners, on the Kaßberg or in the city and its immediate surroundings. So everyone has their favourite places that they love and where they like to go again and again.

A photo collage by Marcel Eichhorn with the Chemnitz band Bombee (title: "parallels") for the photo campaign at http://vimeo.com