What inspires you?

The contrast between the intense bustle of the city and the external and internal tranquility of nature: I need both for my work. Visiting exhibitions helps me focussing on my themes and offers new views on certain aspects. I love to see the old masters - there is such a lot to learn from their techniques.

Describe your creative process.

I am not painting to find myself but to forget about me - thats why I do not plan my paintings, it is an intuitive process. At the beginning there is only a rough idea about the colors I want to use. Starting to paint I place surfaces of different colors - both side by side and overlapping. To create varieties of structures I use different pastels or oilpens.

What are 3 words that best describe your work?

layering, depth, imaginative and playful

Who are some artists that have influenced your work?

Emil Schumacher, Georg Baselitz, Franz Kline and Hans Hartung. And I absolutely adore the work of Pia Fries

What is the most important tool when creating your work?

Focus. And a variety of different pens, pastels and charcoals, zinc white.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Be brave and never afraid to disturb a painting.

Where do you go for inspiration?

to the woods near our home and, if possible, I stay in my second home in Italy.