Early beginnings
From an early age, I found solace in nature. Even my earliest memories tell stories of family hikes in the mountains, riding our bikes in the woods, playing with our dogs in a cool brook, stroking bumble bees. I grew up in a very outdoorsy family in a small Bavarian village. Forests were my happy place - and still are. I am still amazed that I left my idyllic countryside life behind and moved to London at the age of 20. And I totally looooved it!
The journey begins
The early connection to nature planted the seeds of my passion for capturing its beauty. Turning 40, I decided to leave the corporate world. I became a student at the renowned Rocky Mountain School of Photography, Montana, USA, where I immersed myself in their career training to become a photographer. The RMSP training allowed me to deepen my understanding of different artistic mediums and techniques. During this time, I was introduced to abstract photography. I knew I was home. The freedom and expression inherent in abstraction touched me deeply. It allowed me to convey emotions and ideas that could not be captured through traditional forms of representation.
Combining my love for nature and newfound passion for abstract photography felt like a natural progression. I started experimenting with abstract nature photography, focusing on the minute details that often escape our attention. My work began to evolve, capturing not just the visual beauty of nature, but its essence, its rhythm, its energy, its quiet power. I began to see beyond the surface. I started noticing the intricate details and patterns that often go unnoticed — the veins in a leaf, the texture of bark, the interplay of light and shadow. And all of a sudden, creating nature abstracts became the purest and deepest form of meditation for me.
My creative process is deeply meditative. I photograph what I hear. I listen, observe, surrender and create. I love to spend hours in nature, observing and absorbing the environment - whether I am photographing or not. Every walk with my sporty labrador Ylvi feeds my soul. I look for moments of stillness, where the noise of life seems to pause, and nature reveals its quiet secrets. Capturing these moments through my lens is an act of mindfulness, a way to connect with the present moment.
Developing my artistic expression: Shibui infused nature photography
Over time, one of the most profound influences on my work has been the Japanese concept of Shibui. This aesthetic values simplicity, subtlety, and unobtrusive beauty. It’s about finding elegance in the understated and appreciating the quiet perfection in the imperfect. Shibui taught me to appreciate the beauty of a single leaf, the elegance of a bare branch, and the serene complexity of natural forms. This aesthetic concept has become a guiding principle in my artistic expression and journey.
Each piece I create is a dialogue between the external experience and my internal world. It’s about finding harmony in the contrasts, beauty in the unexpected, and tranquillity in the act of creation.
In my art I strive to
evoke a sense of peace and stillness. I want my viewers to feel the same calm and clarity that I experience in nature. Through my abstract interpretations, I aim to offer a precious moment of pause and contemplation. These are the moments that ground us, and empower us to become the best version of ourselves.
Much love,
Petsy x