Paula-Stina Tasane sat down with the founding mother of Trickster Magazine to reflect on her time here, and to look ahead – for her, and for us.
So... would you like to break the news, or should I?
I’ll do it. I just felt that my job at Trickster is done, and got that need to move on – to spend time outside of my comfort zone here in Estonia. Maybe that’s a bit of a lie, as my comfort zone is not really “normal life” nor Estonia. Even though I have to admit, I appreciate some aspects of our homeland more than I used to.
We’re going to miss your no-nonsense attitude, your razor-sharp wit, and your belief that every presentation can (and should) be shorter. And of course, Piibu. What does the foreseeable future look like for you?
I have no idea, actually. I believe that every day you can either win the lottery or end up under a car – life is a Schrödinger’s cat in that way. So it’s better you, you know, really use the time that you have.
Of course, it may mean many different things. To live a rich life doesn’t have to mean a super-intense life always on the move – emotional and mental fulfillment can come in many ways. For now, I hope that for a couple-throuple of months I’ll spend my time in the tropics – some of it in the concrete jungle of Jakarta and some of it in the real jungle, mostly hanging out with various weirdos, animals, and plants.
I’ll probably share some of it in written form at some point or as highly artsy videos on my Insta as I go. For sure, I won’t be doing anything branding, social media, or editing related – probably finishing a couple of short stories I’ve started over the last few years that sit all sad, abandoned, and unfinished on my laptop. Also, readers: do suggest random subjects you’d like me to write a short story about.
You’re not one to dwell – but is there anything you’ll miss about Estonia? Maybe even Trickster, hehe?
As for Estonia, I’ll miss the super-easy access to nature, the super-efficient governmental systems, and I guess the easy way of living since you understand the mentality, humor, and everything else without thinking. And Piibu (my dog) and my friends, of course. Oh, and public transportation. I truly hate it when people whine about Tallinn’s buses and trams – guys, you have no idea how lucky we are on a world scale. It’s so fucked that some politicians literally want to denationalize these systems, which will eventually lead to their decline and death, as various examples show.
As for Trickster – I’ll miss the good people, the easygoing vibe, and its ability to punch above its weight.
What’s a story you’ll remember most vividly?
Talking to the photography legend Bruce Gilden. Some people just have absolutely crazy, electrifying, and a bit scary energy – he’s one of them. From the locals, Hendrik Sal-Saller was effortlessly cool and humble and a real rockstar. Both also happen to be great storytellers, which makes interviewing them an easy job.
What’s a story you’d love to read in Trickster someday?
I think Trickster – and some other outlets in Estonia – need to get more political and outspoken on the issues that right-wing peeps and neoliberals keep yelling about. I’d love to see Trickster exploring that direction. Talking politics doesn’t have to be boring or impossibly “balanced.” It’s okay to have opinions and express them.
What have the past three years taught you – in three words?
Patience, sharing, listening.
What did Trickster teach you about yourself that no other project could have?
That I’m better at making people work and commit than I thought I was.
Hells yes. But looking back, what parts of you are embedded in Trickster’s DNA – and what parts did you leave behind?
Hopefully the love of chaos and the ability to see beauty in it (even though if it was Amber, I’d probably be on Amber’s side).
Do you feel like you finished something or started something that someone else will finish?
Started – and probably this entity will be kept alive by others for a couple of years. Then, when the time comes, finish it off without remorse!
What are you most proud of – not just in terms of work, but as a creative person navigating ego, doubt, and ambition?
Probably my stubborn immaturity – that I actually haven’t really changed since the beginning of my twenties. I feel age often doesn’t mellow people but puts their fire out – and it’s called mellowness to make them feel better. Fuck that: don’t grow up, it’s a trap.
You’ve always been fiercely opinionated. How has your critical voice changed over the years?
I guess I’ve gotten even more critical toward shit people and shit actions, and more patient with those who mean no harm. And I care way more about nature than humanity – with every day, I'm so much more critical of the human project in general. Would be cool to stay around to see which species take over after the doom comes for us – and how that next batch does.
What’s your current relationship with the word taste – is it a compass, or has it become a constraint?
There is good taste and bad taste. And there is good taste in bad taste sometimes – but almost never vice versa. I still think taste matters. Taste is not only about looks and actions – very often it’s a reflection of an inner light of a person.
What kind of cultural commentary do you not want to see anymore – and what do you wish people dared to say more of?
Platforms like Hypebae’s Instagram account make me feel sad – they’re eternally dated and out of touch with the realities of the world. Let’s be less about consuption and more about connection.
When was the last time a piece of culture really moved you?
My friend Robi Jõeleht gave me a present – he’s good with presents in general – a book by the Polish author Olga Tokarczuk. So depressing, so moist and Eastern-European, and tastes like mold, and I love it. Also saw a little bittersweet film about friendship and betrayal, “Good One.” Watched it with my friends and had a good time.
Cultural experiences for me are often about how you experience them rather than what they are. I’m okay with reading alone, of course. Seeing art alone is fine but better with a good friend. Films are for company for sure. Music rarely works for me when I’m alone – but if it does, it’s magic.
If Trickster has been a kind of aesthetic manifesto, what comes next: rebellion, refinement, or total reinvention?
I hope something completely different – probably try to go back to the goat school and become a farmer. Also been feeling like writing a different type of material lately – fairy tales and weird fiction.
Okay, can’t wait! But was there a moment during the making of Trickster when you seriously thought of walking away – and what made you stay?
Oh, I’m the type of person who can wake up with one thought and completely change their mind in an hour – so definitely, there were a couple of times. But I’m also exceptionally forgetful, so I don’t remember specific moments.
What does creative authority mean to you – and how do you lead without dulling the spark of others?
The only way to do it is to sit down, relax, and let other people do it. And that’s it. Just let others work and think and make mistakes – and improve themselves in the process.
Word. But what’s something about working in media that most outsiders completely misunderstand?
The constant time pressure, click pressure, and – with specific products – the funny feeling of being exposed, which is similar to other creative industries. Like, you’re out there and your brain and thoughts are kinda naked for others to judge. You have to learn not to dwelwe too deep and long on what others think – but also find some peers who help you become better at self-expression by sharing their opinion on your work.
Is there a question you’ve been avoiding – one you know you’ll have to face in this next chapter?
It will be way worse once there are no questions left.
What scares you about stepping away? What secretly excites you?
I love being bored, so nothing scares me. Except sharks. And skincrawlers.
Do you believe in creative closure, or are all endings just new forms of continuation?
If you have that specific fire in you, you need to draw or write things down, or dance or whatever – it just never ends. There are definitely moments when you feel kinda empty or just don’t want to share, but in the end something always starts boiling inside you again. And oh, here it is – there’s a new idea or piece of music or good joke.
If you could give the next generation of Trickster editors one piece of advice, what would it be?
If it’s good enough for you, probably some other people will also like it – and that’s enough, really.
What’s a value or principle you know you’ll carry into whatever comes next – even if the form changes completely?
No decorations hide the absence of essence.
So. Fair. But what question do you wish someone had asked you along the way – but never did?
“Should I water the plants?” Look out for the plants in the office, please.
Quickfire
Favorite film?Conan the Barbarian, Marie Antoinette.
Favorite book?Lord of Light; Peter Pan.
My editorial ick?Too. Many. ADJECTIVES. And the word “potentsiaalikas” and other monstrosities like that – these are not words, for the love of God.
Favorite thing on the internet?Old-ish films on YouTube for free. And Reddit feeds about paranormal stuff when I want to feel afraid – and be on the lookout for skincrawlers for a week after I fall into that rathole.
Favorite Trickster story?Actually, we had quite a few good ones. Atm I’ll go with Kulla’s text about ghosting.
I wish more people…Noticed that we live in a dying world – and took themselves less seriously than the troubles we cause to our planet.
One hot take I’ll stand by:You can learn way more empathy, humor, and zen from animals than from humans.
Credits:Interview by Paula-Stina TasanePhotography by Jane TreimaMUAH by Elina KuhtaArt Direction and Styling by Diandra Rebase
Clothes from Kaubamaja & personal archivePictures taken in Volta Villa Endover Kinnisvara