The Guardian spoke to photographer Thomas Demand about art and the art market:

Is today’s art scene too commercially motivated?

No. In Germany, it’s seen as a bad thing if artists are making money out of art. In the US, it’s the other way around. I don’t see anything wrong with artists making money. And art really isn’t that expensive compared with other luxury goods – a painting costs less than a sports car. If art makes you feel something, then the expense is worth it.

Which other artists do you most admire?

Ed Ruscha and Gerhard Richter. They both followed their own little paths, and in doing so changed the way we view art for ever.

What’s the worst thing anyone ever said about your work?

People have said that my art is always the same. But they didn’t understand it.

What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?

There’s a German saying that doesn’t translate well into English. People tell you to “always keep the ball low” – it comes from football, and means that you should try to keep your focus. My brother said it to me, and I found it useful. Artists are always looking for intellectual advice about their work. But the less you’re trying to load that on to your art, the better.

Portrait fo the Artist: Thomas Demand (Guardian)