Painting is not about skills only. For me it’s mostly about energy, emotions and intention. About listening and about being me.
A wise woman once said to me: «I have an inner voice and it demands to be heard. Listen carefully and I’ll tell you my story.»
Making space to be myself
My studio is the place where I make space to be myself and not let the world interrupt who I am and what’s important to me. I think of my art practice as a kind of healing space where I express myself freely. Therefore I prefer working in stillness, to tune in, hoping to reach my authentic presence and paint from my heart.
In my art practice I try to remember who I am on a deeper level behind the everyday hustle. I make art to show my Soul that I am listening, hoping to hold space for miracles to happen.
Deep listening
To me painting is a way of listening to the inward turmoil caused by what’s going on in the world. The slowness in my studio is grounding and reconnects me with myself and what feels important in my life.
The process
During the creative process I contemplate and transform emotions into energetic abstract paintings.
I normally start my paintings with a set intention and a few restrictions to focus myself; like what kind of substrate, mediums, colour scheme and utensils I will start working with.
From that moment on I move through the painting process almost like a dancer or a choreographer.
Layers of life and history
My many layered paintings take time to make. Some of them have a lot of history hidden underneath, hardly visible. They kind of resemble life itself as it unfolds.
The layers may have different approaches to tell different stories.
Expressionists often show emotions through colour. When dealing with large paintings body movement is crucial. Painting small is my biggest challenge.
I like working with textures, collage and I love pushing paint around, scraping, scratching and removing paint. Thick and thin layers to contrast each other. Mixing rapid movements and slow pace.
I normally prefer quietude when painting, but I sometimes put on some music and dance to get the creative juices flowing.
Busy spring
This spring was busy with some very hectic months at my day job and three exhibitions on top of that.
I managed to squeeze in some super fun evenings out as well. Not to mention the trip to Side, Turkey with my Tai Chi tribe.
But there was little room for slow time and playful explorations in my studio, which is a crucial part of my art practice and my well being.
No plans for the summer
So, that´s why I´m thinking: No special plans for the summer, except wait for myself to be myself again while cat sitting my greek friend, Mr Greg.
Enjoy the summer!
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