Colours in flow: My year 2024

This year, I wanted to focus on what truly matters. 2023 had been a challenging year for me. I struggled with recurring bouts of depression, and the year felt heavy and overwhelming. That’s why I decided to approach the new year with a greater sense of calm and a stronger focus on my mental well-being. My guiding word for 2024: Simplicity.

With this mindset, I let things come to me naturally, and in the first few months, I was finally able to recharge my energy. And I certainly needed it for the rest of the year! From mid-March onwards, it felt as though a knot had unravelled. Projects fell into place effortlessly, successes came unexpectedly easily, and even the challenges found their place in this flow.
2024 became my most successful year yet. Not only financially, but more importantly, in the sense of feeling supported and truly aligned with my work.

Goals and How They Took Shape

In keeping with my guiding word, I deliberately avoided making concrete plans. What seemed most important to me in 2024 was not to overthink everything, but to let go of what wasn’t good for me. Instead of a to-do list, I created a would-be-nice-but-not-essential list. It was more open-ended, with the focus on living rather than achieving.

Some points on that list I did manage to tick off, while others remained undone – and that was absolutely fine. In their place, unexpected opportunities arose, often far more meaningful than anything I had originally envisioned. What truly mattered was that I could experience the year in all its fullness, without being constrained by a rigid plan.

Year in Review: Highlights and Challenges of 2024

A New Creative Home

Artists often work alone. Perhaps this is because art is frequently a struggle with oneself – a process that calls for silence. At least, that’s how it feels for me. Yet, at the same time, I also need interaction with others to fuel my inspiration.

I’m fortunate in many ways to share my life with another artist. His views and perspectives enrich me every single day. But for me, there’s no such thing as too much inspiration – quite the opposite. Engaging with people beyond my immediate circle often brings a fresh dynamism to my work.

In mid-March, I received an unexpected invitation to join a new creative community. Bianka Behrami and Kate Brunch had just established it as a space designed precisely for exchange and inspiration. I was curious and interested, so I decided to join – and it turned out to be a stroke of luck.

From the very beginning, I felt welcome. It has since become a kind of creative home for me. Here, I meet people who face similar questions and challenges to my own. Free from envy or competition, we talk about our work, inspire one another, share successes, and support each other through difficult times. Without this community, some of my projects this year would never have come to life.

Yale: My Art Becomes Part of the Curriculum

The spring still had plenty of surprises in store for me! In early May, I received an email from Teresa Schenker, the programme director for German language studies at Yale University.

She and her students follow an exciting concept: creating a bridge from Germany’s history, through key developments, to what the future might hold. Their approach intertwines language learning with cultural knowledge and intercultural skills – and art plays a significant role in this. Her students are particularly interested in contemporary artists, and they had already discussed two of my works – Where Should We Go From Here and 1.5° – in their previous semester.

When I found this out, I was completely stunned. The thought that my art had been part of a course at Yale University still fills me with joy. But the request went even further: Ms Schenker was working on a textbook titled Where We Come From, Where We Are Going, designed not only for Yale but also to be used worldwide by educators as an Open Educational Resource. And she wanted to include several of my works in it.

In the end, we decided on four pieces that fit perfectly into her teaching unit on environmental issues and sustainability. Of course, I said yes – how could I not? It’s an honour for my art to be used in this way: as a starting point for discussions, as a tool for learning, and as an inspiration for people thousands of miles away, whom I can touch through my work.

London calling

Shortly afterwards, also in May, I was contacted by a luxury interior designer from London. She was searching for artworks for a high-profile project, had come across my work, and wanted to commission several pieces. I had consciously decided against taking on commissioned work in the past – too often, such projects can limit artistic freedom. But the concept was intriguing, and I didn’t hesitate for long before agreeing.

The task was to blend my artistic signature with the designer’s vision – a delicate balancing act. The process began with me fully immersing myself in the project to understand its essence. Together, we developed ideas, discussed materials, colours, and textures. Her imagination and my creative input complemented each other in a way that was promising from the start.

Then the real work began. Over several months, well into October, I dedicated myself to this project, which took up the majority of my time. It was intense – and often demanding. But it was also exciting. I learned a great deal about myself and my work, about communication, and about finding the balance between fulfilling a commission and preserving my own artistic identity.

In the end, six pieces emerged – works I can truly be proud of – and a collaboration that I would count as one of the real highlights of this year.

Visibility and Recognition

This year, my art was more visible than ever before. Two of my works were exhibited at the Aedra Fine Arts Gallery, and Saatchi Art featured several of my pieces throughout the year. I was particularly thrilled by the invitation to exhibit at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t accept due to financial constraints, but the invitation alone was a wonderful recognition. It shows me that my work is valued – even in circles I couldn’t have imagined being part of just a few years ago.

International sales have also contributed to this feeling. Four of my works found new homes in the USA this year, along with pieces in London, across Europe, and within Germany. The thought that my art has become part of people’s lives across multiple continents is something I truly cherish.

Making Time for Breaks

My biggest challenge this year was making time for breaks. Because I love pushing my artistic boundaries, trying new things, and experimenting, I occasionally find myself exceeding my personal limits – whether in terms of workload or energy. I had to consciously remind myself that I need time to recharge. Unfortunately, I didn’t always succeed, but I’m learning.

I wasn’t willing to sacrifice time with my loved ones – that’s non-negotiable for me. But as a result, there was little room for anything outside of work – not even for engaging with art. It wasn’t until November, at the ARTe art fair in Dortmund, that I finally had the chance again.

There was also no time for travelling this year, which I find deeply disappointing. I’ve been longing for the sea, and I’m determined to change that in 2025.

Art and Projects

The Dynamics of Chaos and Order: The SQ Art Series

The SQ series explores contrasts: chaos and order, tension and harmony. The name SQ stands for square – the geometric form that serves as the foundation for each composition in the series. Every piece consists of nine square wooden panels, which together form a larger square. The outer structure is strictly symmetrical and clearly defined. But within, I deliberately relinquished control, leaving space for the unforeseen to simply happen.

Each panel tells its own story. It could stand alone, yet it is part of a greater whole. Together, they reveal a dialogue between structure and unpredictability.

In the fine cracks, subtle lines, and textures of these works, time becomes tangible – its traces are everywhere. It adds, it takes away, and in doing so, creates something entirely new. This series combines a love for structure with a joy in chaos. It is both an artistic and personal exploration of the tension between control and letting go.

The Beauty of Fleeting Moments: The Glimpses Art Series

Glimpses is an homage to the small, fleeting moments that often pass us by unnoticed – moments that, in hindsight, often resonate more deeply and awaken memories that lie dormant within us.

In this series, I allowed myself to play, experiment, and go with the flow. It wasn’t about making a grand statement. Rather, I wanted to create an atmosphere that leaves room for interpretation. Each piece tells a story of transience, but also of the beauty found in these fleeting moments.

Working on Glimpses felt like a heady dance with colours, nuances, and textures – without any fixed goal in sight. Like memories, the pieces in this series are made up of many layers, some of which disappear beneath a veil of white paint. This veil doesn’t obscure everything: small gaps and glimpses allow the underlying layers to remain visible.

As with looking back on past moments, some parts are crystal clear, others are hazy, and some remain hidden. For me, this balance between clarity and mystery is at the heart of Glimpses.

Project “Connecting Perspectives”: My Interview Series

The idea of interviewing other artists had been on my mind for quite some time. It came into sharper focus in March, when I was interviewed by the lovely Gudrun Krinzinger alongside four other women (a connection that, incidentally, arose from last year’s annual review project). Ever since, I kept coming back to the idea, but I struggled to find the spark that would help me implement it meaningfully.

The decisive impulse came through the creative community I joined. During our exchanges, I noticed how individually we all approach challenges – and yet, how many shared experiences connect us. This made me curious: What does creativity mean to different people? How do we handle setbacks? And where do we find the universal experiences that unite us?

From these reflections, my interview series was born – a project that is very close to my heart. I ask all participants the same set of questions, and each time, I’m fascinated anew: The answers are so diverse, yet they reveal a shared thread of similarity. They showcase the richness of creative paths and the common ground in overcoming obstacles and doubts. I’m deeply grateful to my dear colleague and now close friend, Nadine Achtelik, for being the first to trust me with her story.

For me, it’s exciting to uncover the personal stories behind creativity. It doesn’t matter whether someone works professionally in a creative field, focuses on a specific genre, or simply engages with art as a hobby. What interests me are the personal perspectives, experiences, and thoughts that drive creativity.

If you’d like to be part of this project, I’d love to hear from you! I’m always looking for new interview partners – regardless of creative discipline or “level of professionalism.” Your perspective enriches the series and highlights just how diverse and unifying creativity can be. The more voices, the more exciting the series becomes.

The Book Project: Old Attitudes

Over the course of this year, I developed the idea for a very special project: I want to publish my Old Attitudes art series – a collection of nudes – as an art book. When I create a nude, it’s never simply about depicting a naked body. It’s about capturing intimacy and identity, making postures and emotions visible.

The first pieces in the series were created in the spring and summer of 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a challenging time full of uncertainty for everyone, but especially for women. In this extraordinary context, I began to explore themes of womanhood, connected with femininity, sensuality, and sexuality.

The series examines the ever-evolving, expanding, and shifting roles of women, often in tension with traditional power structures. The works depict women in their individual strength and vulnerability, as well as their resistance to societal expectations and assigned roles. These themes are reflected not only in the compositions but also in the titles of the pieces, offering viewers insights into the complexity and multifaceted nature of femininity.

I began developing the book’s concept by reviewing my material, structuring the chapters, and planning how to present the series in a new light. Four new works were created specifically for the book and will be published there for the first time. These additions expand the series, offering new perspectives.

Despite significant progress, I ran out of time to complete the project in 2024 and had to postpone its release to next year. This extra time allows me to refine the project further, and I’m already looking forward to seeing the series and its themes come to life in book form.

My Theme for 2024: Womanhood

Beyond my work on the book and the Old Attitudes art series, the theme of womanhood has been a constant thread throughout this year – in my art, my thoughts, and the world around me. It was a year in which women and the concept of womanhood came into focus time and again, moving me creatively, politically, and personally.

Women in Art: Forgotten Voices and Unequal Legacies

Over the course of the year, I delved into the lives and works of three female artists, whose contributions to art history have often been overshadowed by their male counterparts.

It is both fascinating and deeply unsettling to see how much these women have been undervalued. Their voices and perspectives are irreplaceable, yet they were frequently overlooked or dismissed. This issue goes beyond their works themselves – it also extends to the legacy they left behind. Women’s works are less frequently displayed in museums, less regularly collected, and rarely contextualized in the same way as those of male artists.

It’s time for this to change!

Political, Social, and Personal Reflection

What does femininity mean to me? Where do I feel the expectations placed upon me, and how do they influence my decisions and daily life? These questions are not just theoretical for me; they are deeply personal. They arise in everyday moments: in the tension between strength and vulnerability, between societal roles and the freedom to redefine myself.

This year, the elections in the United States clearly demonstrated how much gender issues shape the political landscape. Similarly, the upcoming Bundestag election in Germany is likely to bring similar debates to the forefront. Issues such as equality, representation, women’s rights, and women’s health are not niche topics – they are central to creating a fairer society.

I was particularly moved by the case of Gisèle Pelicot in France. Her courage in publicly confronting years of rape and abuse by her husband was not only a testament to her personal strength but also a catalyst for important societal discussions. Violence against women and sexualized violence can no longer be dismissed as a “gentleman’s misdemeanour.”

“The shame must change sides!”

This statement by Gisèle Pelicot stays with me because it so aptly captures the essence of what needs to change: Women should no longer bear the burden of silence. Instead, the perpetrators must be held accountable, and societal structures that enable such violence must be dismantled.

Strengthening the Next Generation

As a woman who engages with these themes in both her art and everyday life, I feel a responsibility not only to reflect on the past but also to help shape the future. And above all, that means empowering girls.

We need to show them from an early age that they are just as valuable as boys – that their dreams, their skills, and their voices matter. It starts with small actions: listening to them, taking their questions seriously, and encouraging them to carve their own paths. It means fostering their self-confidence, supporting their interests, and, most importantly, not confining them to outdated gender roles.

But that’s not enough. We also need to shape society in a way that offers girls not only opportunities but also protection. Girls should never have to feel afraid to express their opinions or move freely in public spaces. Structural changes are urgently needed to eliminate the systems that enable or ignore violence against women and girls.

We need to move away from a culture that teaches girls to be cautious, kind, and understanding, and towards one that teaches them to be bold. And that can only happen if we shift the responsibility for safety and equality off their shoulders and place it where it belongs: in the hands of society.

We lose so much potential when we discourage girls out of fear or outdated gender roles. As a mother of sons, I feel this responsibility deeply. I’ve tried to raise them to not only learn respect and equality but to live it – to see their privileges not as entitlements but as tools to drive change.

The future belongs to the girls we empower today and the boys we teach that true strength has nothing to do with power over others. It’s our responsibility to leave them a world where they can be themselves without fear – free, courageous, and full of confidence in their abilities.

These reflections have been a defining part of my year.

Art Business: How Is It Progressing?

And what a difference a year can make: In 2023, my website had just under 3,000 visitors – this year, that number has tripled. My reach and follower count on social media have also grown significantly.

I’m still far from a breakthrough, but my work is bearing fruit. That’s a huge relief: This year, I’ve found myself questioning far less often whether becoming self-employed – and as an artist, no less – was really a smart decision. 😊

I think I have my blog to thank for much of this progress. This year, I’ve published a total of 36 blog posts (including this review). I always write about topics that genuinely interest me, which is why I enjoy the process so much. I love diving into research – there’s always so much to learn.

Once again, my topics this year have been wonderfully varied. Here are my three favourite blog posts from this year:

1. The Courage to be Imperfect: Why Failure is Part of the Creative Process
   The fear of failure is one of the greatest obstacles to our creative growth. It can be paralysing, keeping us trapped in a state of uncertainty and self-doubt. Instead of bravely trying out new ideas and enjoying our creativity, we retreat – staying firmly within our comfort zone. The result? We hold ourselves back.
   
   
2. The Soul of the Renaissance: Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael
   It was a time of discovery, exploration, and rediscovery – in art, science, and thought. Three giants embodied this artistic epoch like no others and shaped the very soul of the Renaissance:
   For the visionary Leonardo, art and science were inseparably linked. Michelangelo, driven by boundless passion, created masterpieces that pushed the limits of what was possible. And Raphael captured the beauty of the world with an effortless harmony that remains unmatched.
   
   
3. Quiz: You won’t believe these Art Fun Facts – or will you?
   You might think the art world is a fairly dignified place. But that’s not always the case. There are spectacular thefts, eccentric artists, and utterly absurd events.
   The stories from the art world that I’ve gathered are incredible – but are they true?

Sharing is Caring: My Recommendations

What Did I Learn in 2024?

2024 taught me a great deal – about myself, about balancing success and rest, and about how important it is to live at the moment. It was a year when projects and opportunities came together in wonderful ways. Yes, it was busy, but it was also filled with creative highs and meaningful connections.

I learned that it’s not just about what I achieve, but also how I achieve it. The creative flow that carried me this year wasn’t always something I could plan – often, it was letting go that made the biggest difference. At the same time, I realized how crucial it is to set boundaries: for myself, my time, and my energy. It’s not something I find easy, but it’s a lesson I want to continue to internalize.

2024 also showed me the value of connecting with others. My creative community inspired and supported me, the interview series enriched me with diverse perspectives, and my interactions with clients who have integrated my art into their lives motivated me. But the strongest sense of connection I feel is in my personal life. My partner and my sons are my greatest support and foundation – they give me the freedom to pursue my passion.

I’ve learned that I’m on the right path. The doubts that often accompanied me in past years have grown quieter. It was a year that encouraged me to keep going – with my art, my self-employment, and my efforts to create a life that feels true to me.

This year, I truly grew with my art – diving deeper into my own themes and the world around me.

My Year in Pictures

Goals and Plans for 2025

My guiding word for 2025 is Momentum. It represents moving forward, harnessing the energy of the moment, and the flow I hope to carry into the coming year. But as in 2024, I don’t want to overload myself with plans. Instead, I want to focus on what truly matters – both in my art and in my life.

One key goal will be completing my book project. And of course, I want to create new art as well. I have plenty of ideas and am excited to see which of them make their way onto canvas, paper, or wood. But it’s not just about creating; I also want to dedicate more time to experiencing art in the coming year. I’ve realized how much engaging with the works of other artists inspires me and how important it is to maintain that connection.

Another wish for 2025 is to travel more. My longing for the sea is calling. But I’d also love to visit a new city or attend an exhibition in a special place – to step out of my daily routine and gain new perspectives.

Finally, I want to work on recognizing and respecting my own boundaries – both physically and mentally. This past year has shown me how vital that balance is, and I hope to be even more mindful of my energy in 2025.

For me, Momentum means staying in motion without overwhelming myself. It’s about finding a balance between what drives me and the rest I need to be fully present. I’m looking forward to carrying this guiding word through the year and seeing where it leads me.

Thank you!

To wrap up, I want to thank everyone who supported, inspired, and accompanied me this year. Your encouragement, your energy, and our conversations enriched my 2024 and often made a difference exactly when I needed it most. A special thanks also goes to those who crossed my path and brought new ideas and impulses.

And, of course, a huge thank you to Judith Peters, who turns the annual review blog into such a special event every year. It’s not just a writing challenge – it’s a creative family gathering where connections are made, and the joy of meeting again next year is already in the air.

Now I’m curious: What themes, encounters, or moments shaped your year? Was there a thread running through your 2024? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

If you also participated in the annual review blog, feel free to share your link in the comments – I’m excited to see your insights!