Amateurism is a photographic reportage on the result of Erik Kessels’ period as AIR at the Academy of Architecture.

At the Academy of Architecture’s Winter Workshop, Erik Kessels embarked on a search for the amateur origins of artistry, together with students, artists and teachers. ‘Think of it as a front garden that’s perfectly ordered, and a back garden that’s a wasteland. It’s in the back garden that you develop ideas and find your inspiration; here are the roots of your creativity. Amateurism is the perfect environment for allowing it to grow and blossom. Often, amateurs are driven by great passion; professionals are often cultivated in their approach, forcing passion to take a back seat.’

Edited by: Erik Kessels
Designed by: KesselsKramer
Amsterdam 2008

17 x 24 cm, 128 pages, English language
Distribution: IDEA Books
ISBN 978-90-70478-17-9