“I am always trying to create a specific atmosphere – I know exactly, what I want to see in the end.”
Name
Lisa Wölfel
Profession
Artist
Website
Where are you from?
Based in Leipzig, grown up and studied in Franconia.
Your style in 3 words?
decisive, organic, curious
Your weakness? Your strength?
My perception, memory, and empathy – all being advantages and burdens at the same time.
e.g.: strongly memorizing pictures and conversations for years.
What makes you different?
I’m a survivor.
When did you decide to become an artist?
I do not think that’s a decision at all…I’ve been drawing since I can remember.
Do you choose your art form, or does the form choose you?
My intuition chooses, I guess. I am always trying to create a specific atmosphere – I know exactly, what I want to see in the end. Depending on what every single piece needs, the form can vary and change within the process. I often start drawing, but go on with painting or sculptural elements.. so I start somewhere and then take a look, at what is needed over and over again, so the final work can turn into something completely different than where it all started…balance between intuition and control.
What do you find most fascinating about the creative process?
That I can „talk“ about certain things without using words. Once started, I go through the process like an automatic pilot, like a sleepwalker. I know what to do in every second. Lately, I have been fascinated by the reactions of exhibition visitors- the possibility that being in a room with the works „does something“ with people. I dealt with totally different reactions lately…like with an angry man at Diözesanmuseum Bamberg, not understanding the „brutal way“ and imperfection of my paintings and nudes.. but I also got my first applause for my work there. The weirdest incident though was when two ladies spontaneously sang a song to me in front of my work to show me their appreciation.
A few words about your favorite creation?
Hard to tell. The favorite creation, to me, is always in the future… the one yet to be painted. For a few years, I’ve been expanding my painting into the room. The process was strenuous sometimes, but I am happy I took this challenge – and want to follow this path, it keeps my head and process in movement – my favorite one of this year is probably „Klara, die Große“, which I did for Diözesanmuseum Bamberg… I also was able to paint a whole bus stop – I liked this kind of outdoor work a lot, also for the weird crumbling and damaged wall I started on.
What surprised you most about your first art shows?
How strong people’s reactions to pictures can be. To find out new ways of access through the visitor’s eye. Somebody said, kind of shocked: ‚You paint like a man.‘
Someone else’s work that inspired or inspires you…
Most of all: nature – more than any kind of art could ever do to me. Than music (I´ve been more impressed by musicians ever since – I envy their directness ), Bilderbuch, Twombly, Maria Lassnig, Kendrick Lamar, Lu Yang, and lately Alex Müller at Kunsthalle Nürnberg, the gardening of my mum, Michael Eppler in his work and writing, my dogs curiosity, my talented friends – and last but not least everyday life, humans weird ways of communication…so…I guess somehow all the creatures and the unknown are out there.
Who would you like to work with someday and why?
I am grateful to have been able to work with many great people and artists so far… The latest work with Kunstverein Bamberg connected to SI-Artprize was amazing. On that occasion Verena Marisa reacted with her outstanding music to my paintings…it was new to me and I like genres-mixing I guess. (when I don’t work alone) Looking forward to what comes next.
A new project coming up or an idea you want to work on?
I am looking forward a lot to being part of Triennale 2024 at Kunsthalle Schweinfurt. I am going to show a work based on what I have done so far, but yet totally different. Also, I’ve been working on an ongoing portrait project in Nürnberg and at a secret spot in Leipzig for a while.
Finish the sentence „More important than my career is…
…to stay honest and careful with myself and my beloved ones.“
2024: Where are we going?
Shortness of breath. Hardening of opinions.. and still onto a new year with new chances.
Do you think about time as an artist?
My way of understanding time you might find in my work. Still, I go from day to day.
When the going gets tough…
I disappear with my dog – or in the drawing.
Put on your future vision glasses: What direction is our generation moving in, what will our world look like in 50 years?
Hopefully more caring for each other, for all those endangered species and nature. I wish for less violence…I see clouds though and I am worrying.
What would you do if you could change the World?
Give everyone the feeling of being loved, so there is less hate. Enable people to listen to each other instead of screaming and claiming to know the only truth. Same value for all living creatures.
What does freedom mean when it comes to art?
To forget about everything…
If the universe is everything and it’s expanding, what is it expanding into?
I have absolutely no idea, and I think that’s how it should be.
Tell us about your future plans…
Make works that make feelings.
Your city’s favorite spots?
The „Wasserstraßen“ of Leipzig, the lakes, the canals, and the woods.
A book that everyone should read…
read my friend´s book: Charlotte Gneuß – ‚Gittersee’
Last but not least: what is your favorite Song?
Too many to list.
One last statement please: „Wood or stone, gold or art?“
A golden cat made out of wood.
Your #?
