q&a ‘monday’s artist’
I was asked by Shannon Fitzpatrick to answer some questions about me and my process to be featured in her series ‘Monday’s artist’
I tried to answer her very well thought-out and to the point questions and thought I add them here to tell you a little bit more about me and my art practice.
● What is your background? How did you get started as an artist? Was it always in you?
Art has always been an important part of my life. I was deeply involved in art in younger years and completed an undergraduate course in visual art. After my masters in geography I worked in digital cartography and graphics and took a longer family break. It wasn’t till a few years ago, that I resumed my art education and had the time, courage and confidence to fully embark on the art journey.
● Can you explain your process?
The starting point for a new work is often driven by the mind - a color combination I want to explore, a feeling I'm dying to visualize, a technique that tempts me to play with it.... But after this first step, the painting soon begins to take on a life of its own. I start an exchange with it and try to figure out what it is asking for as a next step. I often work with watercolor and ink on paper and have to wait until everything is dry before adding the next layer. This slows down my process, forcing me to be patient and engage in the interplay of detached observation and intuitive immersion. More difficult for me than getting started is often finding the right moment to stop. I strive for minimalism, so I worry more about having too much in my painting than too little.
● How did you learn to accept the process and trust yourself?
Finding that trust is a process in itself. I guess over time I found that it takes "letting go" for the painting to get its own unique character, spark and that little mysterious touch.
● What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out?
Be curious, explore, experiment, give yourself time, be patient and most of all have fun and enjoy every step of your art journey. It is okay not to know everything you think you should know. Don’t think too much about finding your own style, it will emerge over time. It is also helpful to grow some thick skin and to adopt a resilient mindset. Don’t try to please others but try to follow your own quests and aesthetics.
● Where do you find inspiration, and how do you tap into the energy to let it out?
I find inspiration everywhere. A visual impression of my surroundings, a feeling I want to visually capture, a work from another artist. If the inspiration is big enough it will find a way to come out.
● Describe how art is important to society. Although many of your images are straight forward, on a deeper level, what does your work aim to say?
Art is food for the soul and a mirror of the society. My artworks are quiet reflections on life’s beauty and fundamental simplicity. They offer a grounding experience and radiate a sense of calm, peace and serenity. They are an invitation to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and let the eyes rest and the soul linger for a brief moment of reflection and resonance.
● Does art help you in other areas of your life? Can you expand on that?
When I step into my studio, a big smile comes to my face. Here is where my soul feels at home, where I feel like that is where I am supposed to be. Doing art helps me to be more emotionally balanced and fulfilled. Making art encourages me to go through life with open eyes and senses. Beauty can be found everywhere, even in things that seem to be ugly at first sight.
● So often, people are unable to "let go"...were you always able to do so?
Sometimes it is easy to let go, on other days when there is too much going on in my head it doesn’t really work. I found out, that practicing some yoga or meditation before my studio time really helps me to be in the mindset of being focused, patient and confident to let go. When working on a commission or for a deadline it is even harder to let go and not think about the finished piece.
● Fun fact? Something we won't be able to find in another interview
I always have some animal companions in the studio. Usually at least one of our dogs, but this spring it was a flock of chicks and later two cute baby ducks. The latter ran all over the studio, making a huge mess before settling down at my feet to sleep...but it was worth it. 🙃