The love of the outdoors has been an integral part of my life. It guided decisions from where to live to the themes of my art.
I was born and raised in Germany. Roaming the Black Forest in my childhood sparked my connection to nature and a curiosity about natural history. Following my love for the woods and the need to use my hands and mind creatively, I applied to the Wood Carving School Berchtesgaden in Germany and attained my Journeyman Woodcarver degree. My world travels brought me to Fairbanks, Alaska. I had found a place to raise my family and expand my art.
Sharing and Teaching
Sharing my skills with others, is one of my priorities. I teach at The Folk School Fairbanks, offering arts and science classes to kids and adults.
The natural world inspires my creations.
My carvings express the beauty I see in the intricate dynamics and complex relationships in nature. I am curious about the interaction of the many literal and figurative layers. I am fascinated by the diversity of the parts and intrigued by the ever-changing flow between all. A grand vista from a mountain top excites me as much as observing a bug through my hand lens.
Art and Science
Observation of nature and collaboration with scientists guide the selection of my topics. I am drawn to the unpretentious or invisible. I like to complement some carvings with the research-based findings that inspired them. Science creates an understanding in a logical, orderly manner, whereas art allows insight at an emotional level. Art and science can work together, offering a synergistic experience and broadening our viewing platform.
My art is deeply rooted in the wood, its ancient history of use, and its strength.
Shaping it with traditional hand carving tools is physically demanding and slow. The intimacy fostered by this work practice allows me to work with the character of wood, with its flaws and temper. This connection is an essential part of my inspiration. Wood is my partner, not an adversary to triumph over. I feel responsible for choosing sustainable materials and work practices for my carving.
As nature does
Many materials, techniques, and the stylistic framework I choose for my art carry symbolic and conceptual meaning. Using recycled wood for traditional carving breaks with tradition. Destructive burning creates contrast. Flowing lines link layers and pieces to each other and the stream of time. Holes frame unknown territory, but the boundaries of my art resist a frame, as nature does.
Less is More
My workshop is in a small yurt. The cozy size of my workspace is not limiting but inspires creations that don’t need size and big machinery to resonate.
Local and Recycled
I like to use local and recycled wood. The boreal forest offers slow-growing spruce, soft aspen and hard birch. Friends working in construction offer plenty of construction lumber cut-offs.
