What inspires you?

I‘m mainly inspired by Asian philosophies (Zen, Taoism and other traditions), minimal aesthetics and music – always looking to catch a very moment. I’m particularly interested in the movement of the brush and the trace this gesture leaves on the paper. An approach deeply rooted in the Japanese traditions Shodo, Zenga, Bokuseki and Hitsuzendo.

Describe your creative process.

Silence is a great source of strength – while painting my focus lays on the expression, the state of mind and the final composition – this way the drawing becomes a depiction of a certain energy (Qi) at a certain time. Like a snapshot of the ongoing flow of Tao if you want, or a symbol of the theme or word I was contemplating about.

What are 3 words that best describe your work?

Minimal, gestural and wabi sabi (the love of natural imperfection).

Who are some artists that have influenced your work?

Hard to say – there are so many inspiring artists across art history (no specific epoch). I adore the art of Robert Motherwell, Helen Frankenthaler, Franz Kline, Fabienne Verdier, Pierre Soulages, Yūichi Inoue, Hikoko Nakajima and Hideaki Yamanobe just to mention a few.

What is the most important tool when creating your work?

Brush, ink and paper – My brain, if we consider this a tool :-)

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

One of my all time favorite quote is: ‘Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.’ by Lao Tzu. These wise words basically initiated my interest for Asian philosophies and art, almost thirty years ago. Another saying I consider as a personal mantra is: ‘Be yourself; anyone else is already taken’ by Oscar Wilde.

Where do you go for inspiration?

No specific place – you can find inspiration literally everywhere, including your inside.