Nur Mut is the alias of German designer and photographer Hannes Schulze. Born and raised in Berlin, Hannes studied communication design at Design Akademie Berlin and works on various projects in print and editorial design. He worked on an Icelandic farm for a year and loves the great outdoors, inspired most by wild landscapes. He has captured many extraordinary images from Iceland to Scotland and beyond. I curated several of Nur Mut’s photos into urban-wellness hotel Inhabit in London. His meditative landscapes cultivated calm and restful tones throughout the guest rooms and public spaces.
Here are 5 Things We Learned about Nur Mut / Hannes.
What made you…you?
Many experiences and people influenced me in becoming who I am today. But if I would have to name one key event in my life then it would be the time when I spent one year on an Icelandic farm. Living and working in a remote place like this has shaped me in a meaningful way. Doing hard physical work day in, day out has really grounded me. Taking care of animals and being responsible for their wellbeing has created a strong connection to nature and has strengthened its value in my life. My host family welcomed me with open arms and a day after my arrival I was part of the family. Their hospitality taught me to be open-minded and to overcome prejudice. The Farm became—and to this day is—my second home.
When are you happiest?
Nowadays I am happy a lot, though it was a tough road to arrive at this point. I feel very fortunate to have seen places and experienced things that I can replay in my mind at any time to bring back the emotions that I have felt in that moment. Some of my happy-moments? Cycling through the sunlit streets of my hometown, Berlin; Traveling a foreign country without any pressure to do things you “must” do; Seeing Tāne Mahuta—an ancient tree that is believed to be more than 2000 years old—and being emotionally overwhelmed by its presence; Sitting in a camper van, parked on a sunny Australian beach, cooking crumpets topped with caramelized peaches for my fiancée.
Would you rather have a muse or be a muse?
I never looked up to someone in particular. I am more inspired by certain ideas or ways of thinking. I consume a lot of content—talks, documentaries, books etc.—and keep the “things” that I feel are worth pursuing. However, over the years I have accumulated a lot of knowledge in different fields of work, but in particular in working as a freelance designer. I feel a great satisfaction in sharing my knowledge and helping others to navigate the chaos that freelancing can be.
Who do you admire?
My grandparents, who were born during WWII. They grew up with little to nothing. But their childhood stories—however ridiculous and unbelievable they sound—always ended on a high note. Their positivity in difficult situations and the attitude to always make the best with what you have is very inspirational to me. They used a lot of ingenuity, cleverness and resource management out of necessity. Although I am living in a country where I can buy everything I ever wanted around the corner, I prefer the notion of being mindful about saving resources, re-using materials and caring for nature.
What is important?
Being comfortable with who you are. Cherish friendship. Value experiences over materialism.
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