1. Tell us how it all started and how you got into abstract painting.

Art has always been my greatest interest, although I took very different career paths. Studying literature and the humanities has given me further and different approaches that come together and need their space.

The form of abstraction enables unexplored spaces, interpretations, freedoms that cannot be represented or described. It is the same in the process of painting itself. The moment counts and nothing else, that is pure presence.

In abstraction, interpretations and fantasies replace the mere admiration of a concrete image. But I still really enjoy immersing myself in the masterpieces from the centuries up until today. I like to get involved in art and spend a lot of time in exhibitions.

2. What are the predominant/dominant colors in your palette?

Colors and materials vary and result from my close connection to nature. Inner images from memories and current experiences then determine the choice of media and colors.

For several months now I have been enjoying working in layers with natural materials such as stone dust, chalk, ash, earth, sand, etc., but I do not exclude any material. Who knows where the journey will lead, because over the years I have learned about, applied and further developed various techniques. Themes have also developed in the same way.

3. What can you tell us about your painting technique and creative composition? Are there any techniques or formats you prefer?

I work with several techniques. Each picture tells its own story and is partly created by the choice of materials and formats. Working with stone powder requires a special technique and composition, unlike working with oil, watercolor, or charcoal. Changes in the material, apparent fixations dissolve again and form their own structures, which I then react to again, but also set them in motion. These are the energizing hours and days because time and space have no meaning.

4. Have you always wanted to pursue this career?

Yes, and it’s a passion.

5. What is your source of inspiration?/What motivates you to create?

It’s been nature for as long as I can remember. I admire and have deep respect for nature’s powers and beauty, the process of constant change of growth and decay, construction and destruction, chaos and order.

The phenomena of simplicity and abundance, clear shapes and complex structures, deep calm and powerful energy, growth and decay and of course light and shadow are what shape.

If we get involved in this balance, we know what to do. We are just a part of nature and presume to be more. That is my motive to give space to nature in art.

6. In general, what impression do you want to give to the viewer of your images?

I don’t anticipate anything and try not to have any expectations. And yet I am happy when people enjoy themselves, let themselves be touched, and think about their relationship to nature, to the system of which they are a part. When they become interested in the materials, recall memories, express perceptions and interpretations, and perhaps even marvel.

A quote from Picasso comes to mind: “Why do we love nature, the flowers, everything around us without really wanting to understand? But when it comes to an image, people think they have to understand it.”

7. How do you make your works? Are you creating a specific project or are you acting spontaneously and emotionally?

I let myself be guided by an idea, an impulse, a perspective or observation. When I want to make series, I usually have something like a plan beforehand, but I would rather call it a narrative that follows a structure. Sketches and notes capture moments, some of which materialize quickly, some later or never.

8. Does the place you live influence your art?

Yes, I can say that, although it is more like life in the countryside, for 35 years also in central Italy. The specific light there, the often described gentleness of the hills, the vastness of nature is something special and subtly exerts a great influence. I also live in the countryside in Germany. In large and very large cities all over the world, I have become more of an observer of the goings-on, looking at other worlds, lifestyles, art, music and much more, but the desire for silence is greater.

9. What do you think about the digital age we live in as it relates to art?

Digitalization covers all areas of life, including art increasingly, but not the wonderful process of painting. I wouldn’t trade the sensual pleasure and being touched for anything and the viewers will feel the same way.

10. What are your plans for the future?

There are a few topics that I would like to explore artistically. Exhibitions are planned, as well as joint work with colleagues, which I really enjoy. There is a book project. But after many years of intensive planning at work, I am happy about phases of planning. And I would like to keep myself open to changes in topics, perspectives and materials. I have wishes and dreams rather than plans.

11. What other abstract artists inspire you?

I like to get involved in creations, but I quickly come into contact with art that gives me leeway, such as the expressionists. The work and development of G. Richter is still important, especially of many artists like Niki de Saint Phalle, whose imaginative park is near us and I often visit and always discover new things.

12. Something I didn’t ask you that you would like to share with us?

Everything is there, connected and can be perceived. The latter is our decision.