A powerful work of art is created neither by the mere sum of its parts nor by the technically correct application of what has been learnt. Rather, it arises through the overcoming and shifting of one’s own boundaries. An idea for a picture is not yet a picture: in order to have a powerful, independent effect, it must be transformed into pictorial matter. The material is not merely an instrument for realising an idea – but the main protagonist. Through improvisation and transformation, we allow a fragment of new reality to emerge before us. Initial formulations of an idea are often unsatisfactory, because they merely illustrate the thought. It is only through interaction with the material that a viable pictorial reality emerges. My personal work is shaped by the realisation that, for me, a picture only becomes possible once I have given up on the belief that I can realise the original idea, once I have questioned everything, and when the material seems to refuse to obey my intentions. In other words: when I let go of my resistance and begin to ‘see’ through the medium. Making decisions. Discarding. Reshape. Start afresh. A form that has been wiped away,
scraped off or painted over is not gone – but has transformed into a new possibility. Facing up to this process requires courage and a willingness to take risks. In this seminar, we will develop methods to challenge and surprise ourselves and to arrive at more intense images through powerful, courageous steps.

Programme & Schedule:
• Day 1 (10.00 – 17.00): Theoretical foundations and practical
exercises.
• Days 2–4 (10.00 – 17.00): Developing and refining individual
approaches.
• Day 5 (10.00 – 17.00): Final touches to the works and a joint
wrap-up discussion.