Nicolas Wagner is the mastermind behind “Crush Fanzine“- a quarterly fanzine that explores the exquisite details behind infatuation, obsession, and everyone’s favorite – crushes. Once someone told the Crush Fanzine team the following: “You really don’t love me, maybe you’re just obsessed. Maybe it’s just a crush”. Even though they shed a quiet tear - they knew it was true.

Here’s my ONE-ON-ONE with Nicolas Wagner – the ultimate crush.

You are quite the creative individual - a photographer, a filmmaker, an art director etc. What is your main focus?

Thanks! I am not sure about film maker (rather video experimentation) the focus is always about the image and what it communicates. Lately, I have been into collaboration with different artists, it’s always interesting to see where it leads.

Tell us a little bit about Crush Fanzine. What was the mission behind this?

Crushfanzine is about obsessions. Each issue is about a specific subject or person that we happen to be obsessed with (in a healthy way, I hope). It’s a cross between a journal made out of cut out pictures that you hide under your bed and a poetic survey on that subject. Originally a fanzine is made by ” fans”; Crush is made by contemporary artists, photographers, illustrators and writers.

Who is involved in Crush Fanzine? Who is the team who helps put your magazine together?

Mostly 2 people, Khary Simon is the art director, and we are both editors. Also, Envoy gallery has always been supportive; they were the first ones to help us out with a show when the launch issue came out. We are so grateful to work with them!

In addition - you have a number of personal projects that you have completed? How did the Deitch Project/Desi Santiago project come about?

Desi is a good friend of mine. He asked me to document the making of ” Escandalo” first video, the shoot took place at the L.I Deitch project space, which gets amazing light right before sunset. It was a mix of leather outfits, rhinestone skulls, smoke machine, bearded Brooklyn boys and legendary vogueing moves… it’s difficult to ask for more…

What are you currently working on now?

I just finished a collaboration project with artist Christian Tomaszewski, and now I am planning a shoot with Commonwealth Utilities. I also completed 2 shoots for 7th MAN magazine in London.

What new projects do you have lined up for 2010?

Khary and I are working on several issues of Crush; it takes a while to complete an issue (being obsessive is time consuming). Non-work related projects are: finding copies of Hans Wegner CHO7 chairs, and also a summer trip to Greece. Greece is always in my heart.

Who inspires you?

A lot of film makers like François Ozon , Gael Morel or Pedro Almodovar, also artists like Slava Mogutin, Jan Wandrag, Walter Pfeiffer, Jurgen Teller, Tom Burr, Sebastian Meunier…

What creative individuals have had the biggest influence on who you are today? Anyone stand out?

I am a big fan of Helmut Newton; it’s always straight to the point, so efficient.

Why do you think you have managed to stand out amongst photographers and videographers? Is there a key to your vision?

Honestly I don t know, I think it’s about doing the best you can with what you have.

Are you a blog-reader? What websites/blogs do you check out regularly?

The Cut, The Imagist and my favorite would be Geometrie variable (geometrie-variable.com) also I like Monocle Magazine - they don t really have a blog - but their site is great and each of their issue are perfectly edited. They have a fantastic taste level.

Who would be your dream subject to shoot?

By far Charlotte Rampling. I think her nickname is “the legend”.

Who are you crushing on these days? Anyone in particular?

I always crush on someone which is a problem. I am not sure if it’s a curse or a blessing.

What can we expect from the next issue of Crush Fanzine?

We have 2 issues coming out in spring. One is our first ” hors-serie” (special edition), which is a slightly different take on obsessions and CF4 will be on someone that can be easily described as an icon.