From THURSDAY, 24-11-2005 to WEDNESDAY, 30-11-2005
“I love the strength of the chainsaw.”
“I love the strength of the chainsaw.”
She led nearly 90 people through hell for five days, fighting against panic and fear of death. In the end, she barely escaped death and decided to start a new life from then on. Gabriele von Lutzau (51), the former flight attendant of “Landshut”, who was kidnapped by terrorists on the way from Mallorca to Frankfurt in 1977, now lives as an internationally recognized artist in the Odenwald. The married mother of two children produces wooden “guards” there, among other things.
From Andreas John
They have been baptized after the hostage drama to the, Angel of Mogadishu? Why?
The title was invented by the “Bild” newspaper. The name’s still stuck. I think I was just doing my job properly at the time – and that just as my character told me to do: with heart and courage.
Does the world need heroes like you?
The world needs courage, not heroes. Heroes are pompous and don’t live long. Don’t look away, but intervene, grab hold, help. When I read about failing to help, I get incredibly angry. I deeply despise anyone who does not help a person who cries for help. Often it is enough to call the police and talk to passers-by via mobile phone, to interfere.
Do you interfere often?
Sometimes my temperament comes through with me and I don’t weigh anything. I once yelled at a man who insulted my mother in Frankfurt on Goethe Street in such a way that the discs clashed after I had pushed them behind me in a flash. I also threatened him with a rolled umbrella. If he hadn’t run away, I swear I’d have beaten him up. And I would have enjoyed it.
How would you define terrorism today?
Anyone who deliberately causes suffering, pain and/or death to another human being is deeply evil. These are not only Christian values. It is also written in Islam. That is why today’s terrorism in the name of Islam is a perversion of the actual religion.
When and why did you decide to quit your job as a stewardess?
I never flew as a stewardess after the hostage drama again. First of all, I was traumatized. The inner healing took years. I knew nothing would ever be the same again. These scars become noticeable over time. I also got pregnant.
Have you ever been honoured by Lufthansa for your services?
They gave us a free flight. And if I had stayed with the company, I would have been allowed to choose my job.
Who helped you turn your life around?
My children, my husband, my art.
What did you think of art?
Like most frustrated housewives and mothers, I took a pottery class when my son was two and a half years old. But I never made a pot, but discovered the third dimension and the sculptural design. But I knew straight away that sound is not material for me. It is possible to start at will. It’s corruptible. Wood, then. Wood is consistent: what is gone is gone. It is alive, stores the solar energy, draws life to the earth. Wood is the perfect connection between heaven and earth.
They work with chainsaws. That sounds brutal.
I love the strength that the chainsaw gives me. With it, I can achieve what I want quickly and precisely. I have a shattered wrist, so I need technical assistance. At first I was terrified of this infernal machine and even today I still don’t trust her. I can control them.
Is art for you a kind of dealing with the past?
Today my art has become completely independent. It is no longer a therapy, but the roots of the individual work groups can certainly be found in my past. Many artists process their experiences in art. I would never depict evil, however. I rather oppose it with strength and protection. Guardians are protection symbols. My abstract signs of life are the resurrection in defiant resistance to death.
How do you make your, Guardian?
Chainsaw and fire are my only tools. I often fetch the wood from the cemetery and clean it spiritually through the fire. The ashes are brushed off, fall to the ground, smoke rises to the sky. Heaven and earth are reconciled. The thin legs, the little feathers, the croissants and excrescences I do all only with the chainsaw. Afterwards, they are brushed and brushed. Then they can work for their new owners. You’re not just supposed to stand around, but watch out…
Which projects are you currently working on?
My D
Recent Comments