A Talk with Peter Walser: Architect, Dancer, and the Man Behind the Rank Sketches
What do you eat for breakfast and what is your morning routine like?
I'm a night person and usually don't want to sleep. I would prefer not to sleep at all, laughs. But I try to fall asleep early because I have to get up around 7am. I start my day by drinking 1L of cold water with a squeezed lemon to help flush out the toxins the liver produces at night. After the shower, I drink about 1 liter of freshly squeezed celery stalk juice and then about an hour later I have my smoothie with wild blueberries and fruits in the office.
Tell me about your first visit to Rank. How did you find out about this place?
Since I live very close by, I saw that a new bar was being built in the former Calypso. As an architect, I was excited to see what would happen. When I saw that a music bar was opening again in the village, I was thrilled. I heard about the opening and really wanted to stop by, but unfortunately Christian kindly kicked me out again because it was a private opening party, laughs.
How did the drawings get on the wall?
From the next concert night I was in the rank and drawing practically every week and finally I had so many drawings that I contacted Alex and asked him if he would be interested in exhibiting them in the concert room. He agreed and at the vernissage at the beginning of the second season, Simon Berz played together with my son Marc.
What motivates you to draw during the concert?
To be honest, I'm not exactly sure, laughs. It's almost become a habit for me that I'm happy to continue. I remember a holiday trip on a boat with friends, I enjoyed sketching every day. When I look back on these sketches, they somehow connect me to the emotions and memories I had at that moment. It's also about taking the time to observe what's in front of you and give it your full attention.
When was the first time you drew something and felt like you should keep doing it?
I liked to draw as a kid and when I was about 10 years old there was a drawing competition for a new building. I entered and won second or third place. The joy I felt from this experience made me want to continue drawing and that is how my career began. laughs I was also allowed to learn the trade as a structural draftsman and complete the technical school, where I had a wonderful drawing teacher, and from then on I have always sketched a lot as an architect, both professionally and privately.
What are you wearing?
The trousers and the shirt I'm wearing are from a Swiss designer, his collections are always created together with artists. I always wear his clothes in the rank. On April 15, I was allowed to “walk” at his fashion show, which was an exciting experience for me. I also love beautiful shoes and with the zodiac sign Aquarius I like to dress a little extravagantly and to be out and about.
How come you don't care what other people think and do what you want to do?
You mention my wild dancing at the concerts. I just do it! laughs I've always tried to do what I enjoy as long as I don't hurt anyone in any way. The musicians are happy when they see how their sound is physically implemented.
What was your favourite concert in the Rank?
Oh, I've already seen over 80 concerts at Rank. They're all great musicians and there are so many good bands that I like, but if I have to mention one it's Hely with Lucca Fries and Jonas Ruther.