Interview with Henrik Forberg
SHIVRAJ: How did you get into cardistry or where did you see it first?
HENRIK: My father actually taught me the "Charlier Cut", "Riffle Shuffle" and some other basics when I was about eight years old. We were frequently playing cards and shuffling kind of became a simple routine I didn’t think too much about.
However, it was when I saw F501 in 2008 I knew I wanted to make my own cardistry videos.
SHIVRAJ: How would you define 'cardistry' in your own words?
HENRIK: Exploring a deck of cards.
SHIVRAJ: Who/What inspires you the most and why?
HENRIK: I take inspiration from several cardists, so I wouldn’t mention anyone in particular. Anyone who watches my videos can get a more specific idea, but it’s always a varying matter.
I take inspiration from everything I like, such as martial arts, science and some kinds of art, films and music.
SHIVRAJ: What is your creative process of making moves?
HENRIK: I don’t have a recipe, unfortunately. That way it would be extremely easy to come up with new moves. I guess my inspiration is at its best when I’m constantly inspired by the things I like.
SHIVRAJ: How do you overcome a 'Creative Block'?
HENRIK: I’ve stated it before in my article "Creating Cuts" on whoshuffleslikethat, that I give all my openers closers as early as possible in the creative process. That way I’m able to go back and edit my moves until they feel right. I have a very loose relationship to all my creations in the early stages of the creative process.
I guess I haven’t really been on a creative block in a really long time because of that, but I can end up using months finishing some cuts, whilst working on others.
However, if you have nothing to work on I suggest you go out and look for some inspiration. Whatever you like should be your first go to, I know that’s what I do.
SHIVRAJ: Describe your style in one word/sentence.
HENRIK: In the lack of a better word I would say “special”, you don’t know what next you’re going to get from me.
SHIVRAJ: What role does the art play in your life or in simple words why do you do it?
HENRIK: For me it has a meditative effect, while it can also leave my mind stuck in a puzzle for hours. It is what I want it to be and it never fails.
Also, it’s really inspiring to be a part of a group of people that shuffle cards better than anyone has ever done
SHIVRAJ: How do you think you can help in improving the field of cardistry?
HENRIK: I want people to feel like they experienced something different when they watch my videos, and that it inspires them to stay different. It’s natural for people to want to be alike, and do the same things etc. but I would much rather like to see people be themselves.
SHIVRAJ: What is your favourite move by you or by someone else? What do you like about it?
HENRIK: My favourite move by someone else is probably the "spring", which might have been the first card flourish ever? Needless to say, it opened the door to a new world of possibilities, it’s timeless, simple and comfortable.
When it comes to my own flourishes, I tend to favour my latest cut. Right now I would like to mention "Shaolin", featured in my latest video “Hyper Object”.
SHIVRAJ: Which is your favourite cardistry video of all time?
HENRIK: I don’t really have one, maybe Silent Transition by Dimitri Arleri.
SHIVRAJ: What do you think about the concept 'Cardestroy'?
HENRIK: I enjoy watching a full cardestroy video from time to time.
SHIVRAJ: What genre of music do you mostly listen to?
HENRIK: Lo-fi, psychedelic and jazz-music.
SHIVRAJ: What do you do other than cardistry?
HENRIK: I make acoustic and electronic music, and study robotics at the university.
SHIVRAJ: What are you further planning to do in your life?
HENRIK: I’m going to keep doing what I like doing, and probably get a masters degree in 3 years time. Don’t worry, I will stick around.
SHIVRAJ: Any contest/contests you've participated in/won?
HENRIK: I've entered several contests, got 3rd place in WKC (World Kardistry Championship) 2014.
SHIVRAJ: Any advice for the community?
HENRIK: Be yourselves.
SHIVRAJ: Any last thoughts? (If any)
HENRIK: Avocados
SHIVRAJ: Thanks a lot for your time! Have a nice day, cheers!
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