Born in 1987 in Freiberg, the artist has been living in Leipzig for 15 years. We spoke with her about the use of color in her work, her new studio, and the most important moment in the process of creating a new piece.

Do the colors you use in your work hold a particular meaning for you? And if so, what kind?

Dorothee: Overall, I choose my colors quite intuitively. But I always have a favorite palette – certain shades that keep reappearing, almost like I can’t avoid them. Before starting a painting, I usually decide on a general mood or color palette to avoid making it too colorful – either a cooler or a warmer tone.

The places I depict are abandoned locations that can't really be placed in a specific time period. It’s not just nostalgic images of industrial ruins like I used to paint; it’s also visions of the future or utopias. I don’t want the scenes to appear gloomy or dark, but rather positive and inviting – more like a hopeful vision of the future in soft pastel tones.

And when you say certain colors “keep reappearing,” are those colors you particularly enjoy working with? Or what exactly do you mean?

Dorothee: Sometimes I think, “Okay, I’m going to try something completely new.” But there are just some shades I feel really good using. If I truly want to try something different, I have to make a conscious effort to avoid my favorite colors. It’s almost automatic and intuitive – and right now, that often leads to a lot of my works having violet tones. I’m also really into neon colors that seem to glow from within and give the piece an extra intensity.

Can you describe the place where your paintings are created? How does your studio feel to you?

Dorothee: My studio is in an industrial complex in Leipzig, shared with many other creatives. I moved in only two months ago, so I’m still in the process of claiming the space for myself. I’ve changed and designed a lot already, but it’s still a work in progress. It’s a cozy space with several lofted levels for storage, creating little nooks. I’ve set up a painting area, a chill-out corner with a sofa, a kitchen area, and a display space in the entrance area. Since my studio is on the ground floor, passersby can already see some of the paintings through the window. It’s big enough to feel really comfortable in.

That sounds great! Would you say that the space has an influence on your work?

Dorothee: Definitely! I had to warm up to the new space first – I couldn't paint right after the move. But now that I’ve settled in, I can work on larger pieces because I have more room than before. Also, I can step back further from the canvas – and that’s really important for getting perspective while working. Sometimes you need that distance to really see what’s happening in a piece.

Is there a particular moment in the creative process that’s especially important to you?

Dorothee: The most important moment is the very beginning – the first marks on the white canvas. That’s when I feel totally free and playful. I start with a layer of acrylics, letting the paint flow naturally without worrying about precision. Later, I switch to oil paints – they really bring brightness and vibrancy to the image and transform the colors significantly. That transition often feels like a kind of epiphany and gives me a deep sense of satisfaction.

How would you describe your art?

Dorothee: Thematically, my work is about space and the interplay between nature and architecture. The spaces I depict aren’t easy to grasp – they show architectural fragments being overtaken by nature. It’s a dialogue between order and chaos, control and wildness, static and flowing organic forms. There’s usually a bright view or a wide horizon, and there’s lots to discover in the details – almost like you can wander through the painting as a viewer.

Are there themes or emotions that you find yourself revisiting in your work?

Dorothee: Yes, time is a recurring theme – and how architecture changes through the forces of nature. In the past, I painted abandoned industrial sites. Nowadays, the places I depict are less clearly rooted in a particular time. Having lived in Leipzig for 15 years, I’ve seen how creative spaces are vanishing and being pushed out – that experience definitely flows into my work as well.

What’s the coolest place where one of your artworks is on display?

Dorothee: Recently, a museum in the Netherlands acquired one of my works – the Drents Museum in Assen. That was really exciting! But there are also paintings at home that I don’t want to sell – they’re tied to special times or creative phases in my life.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? Do you go out into nature to find it?

Dorothee: I find inspiration everywhere. In the past, it came from industrial spaces – now it’s more intact buildings that I deconstruct, often villas with pools, or various natural landscapes. I also traveled through South America and still draw from the photos I took in the jungle. These days, inspiration comes from many different sources. I also use photos from the internet to create collages or drawings that then evolve into entirely new spaces or imagined places.

Thank you so much, Dorothee!

Recorded on April 3rd 2025

Artist bio and available works