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19.09.2023
#bayernkreativPORTRAIT: Marthe's versatility is her program: the artist takes photographs, paints and prints and runs her own art workshop and guest house in Kohlberg. In our bayernkreativPORTRAIT, Marthe tells us about the impact her bespoke art concepts can have for business clients, how the "unconventional disease of art" shapes her life and what visitors can expect in the Kohlberg art workshop. Also find out how her travels and encounters with different cultures influence her work and what plans she has for the Kunstquartier in Regensburg.
Dear Marthe, you are an extremely versatile artist. You take photographs, paint and print and run your own art workshop in Kohlberg. You originally trained as a dental technician. What led you to make art the center of your life and to live out your creative energy in these areas in particular?
Art is a very idiosyncratic disease that occurs in different forms. For some, it progresses in episodes and ebbs away in between, for others it is probably chronic but has a very mild course, many are completely immune and then there are those who are on fire at both ends, whose entire lives are "punctured". I probably belong to the latter category.
You were born in Austria. Your exhibitions have been shown in Vienna, Dresden and Saumur in France, among other places. What brought you to Bavaria?
Well, it was classic love. First just for one Upper Palatine, then for the whole Upper Palatinate, which is why I stayed. I've been in Bavaria for 20 years now and I've had my little Austrian territory in the Kohlberg art workshop for 15 years.
You offer your customers the opportunity to develop a tailor-made art concept for their premises. You have already decorated a wide variety of business premises, from doctors' surgeries to law firms and banks. How do you approach your work?
I get an idea of the existing architecture and, above all, what happens in these spaces. What ideas does the clientele have? What form of art underlines the corporate philosophy?
What do you think a creative, inspiring and well thought-out art concept can achieve in such everyday and often very functionally designed spaces such as business and work premises?
On the one hand, the external impact on customers, patients, clientele, etc.
Pictures and sculptures are soft skills that convey values and create an important first impression without words. Modified: Show me your walls and I'll tell you who you are.
On the other hand - and perhaps even more importantly - the effect on the people who work there every day, whose well-being has a measurable impact on their work performance. Where would I rather go? Into an uninspired building shell with nothing or, at best, ancient art prints from the furniture store, or into thoughtfully designed rooms that also show a certain appreciation for the people working there?
In the course of your artistic career, you have often traveled abroad. For example, you have undertaken study trips to India and Southeast Asia. Where do you get the inspiration for your work and what role do the impressions from your travels play?
I am a very curious person and love reading people. Getting to grips with their culture. Different things from these trips flow into my work. The most visible component is of course photography, which can easily be seen in my container project and in the Triple Views. But of course the colors of a country also influence my work.
You also run a guest house in your art workshop in Kohlberg. Is this primarily aimed at other cultural and creative professionals or can your guests simply stay with you?
My guests come from all walks of life, but many also appreciate the intimate view into the studio or the arty conversations over a glass of red wine.
Together with goldsmith Susanne Wenzel, you also run the "Kunstquartier" in Regensburg alongside your art workshop in Kohlberg, where your works can be seen and events can be attended. What events do you currently have in the pipeline?
The Kunstquartier is changing at the moment and is moving to the Atelierhaus in Von-der-Thann-Straße in Regensburg at the end of August. Our legendary "Kocktails, Kunst- und Klunkerparties" will then take place there in a new form. Stay tuned and check the website from time to time: www.kunstquartier-regensburg.de
Last year, you took part in the Art4Ukraine aid project, which raised money for a good cause at an art auction. Would you like to tell us about the project?
The company Art28 in Tübingen reacted spontaneously to the terrible conditions in Ukraine and put out a call for works from artist friends. It was a great pleasure for all of us to generate 100,000 euros within a few weeks and thus help.
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