Normality is a paved road: It's comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.

Vincent Van Gogh

I have been painting since childhood. By doing this I discovered the opportunity to immerse into a different world and to express what I was unable to say in words. For many years, I produced mainly drawings and watercolours on paper. A few years ago I felt my growing desire to exceed the limits I had set for myself. And so I began to try something new. Representational painting became increasingly mixed with abstraction, the informal, all opening possibilities to my imagination. Not only seeing with the eyes, but with all senses. And then sometimes, there are these fortunate coincidences, that happen just at the right time to influence everything that is upcoming.
For me, it was the book "Aufladung Entladung - Spachteltechnik" [Loading Unloading - Spatula Techni- _____________

que] by Gabriele Musebrink, a wonderful artist from Essen, which I held in my hands in a bookstore one day. It was breath-taking and I knew immediately that something quite crucial had happened. My way into painting lay clearly and definitely in front of me; now I just had to follow it ...

These days, my pictures no longer come from my mind but appear like a vision from my inner soul. I still use the large format as it offers me the space I need to express myself. Some of my thoughts find their way from my inner world to the canvas via the materials, colours and shapes I use. Influenced by an emotional state which exists for that special moment only. At first, apparently unsuccessful pictures, times of standstill ... they are an important part of my development process. It is precisely these things which increasingly force me to a conflict with myself, encourage me to accept a new perspective and look from a distance. _____________

I have mastered the technique I am using today by teaching myself through continuous experimentation. However, I received valuable support and inspiration in ensuing classes:

My special thanks go to Erica Wittenwiler, who gave me first impulses to paint on large canvases. Gabriele Musebrink, whom I have to thank for my knowledge of spatula technique and who taugth me never to believe that anything is impossible before I have tried it out. Peter Mairinger, who got me out of an artistic low at the International Painters’ weeks in Hollersbach in several discussions and who helped me to see things from a new perspective with his special photographs from Piemont. Robert Petschinka was also present and he had a significant influence, too. By asking just one question, he initially plunged me into doubt in the truest sense of the word, before I acquired many answers and new insights. _____________

I thank my dear friend and wonderful photographer Thierry Burgherr for the exciting and horizon extending exchange of thoughts.

And then there is this one and very special person, always believing in me since the beginning. Who has taught me that you can only see the wonders of this world by seeing them with your heart! You will know that it is YOU I mean and that my endless thank for so many things belongs to you!