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Originally from Bamberg Germany, I have lived in South Carolina most of my life. This makes me local with foreign seasoning. I teach middle and high school art and so am continually encouraged to re-evaluate the meaning and purpose of art.
I see works of art as the seasonal fruit of a creative life. Every interaction in life is part of the work. This is why I particularly enjoy fluid painting. The paint is alive, making the work a conversation with the medium. I bring my ideas to the table and the paint replies. It’s like working with an invisible partner. Creating fluid art has to be approached with a willingness to compromise and cooperate; much like teaching . . . or herding cats; you can make suggestions, but there is certainly more than one will at work. I have found that my emotions affect the design as much as the chemicals I add to the paint. One of the most challenging steps is knowing when to “stop messing with it.” Lately, I can truthfully say that I have found great satisfaction and entertainment in watching paint dry.
I believe that art needs to be more than just paint splattered randomly and so have gravitated toward representative art, but I am beginning to understand the thought and process behind formative art. I now look deeper into the technique within the work. What I like most about fluid paintings is that they compel the viewer to search for what is seen; making each experience unique.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          - Renate

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