Artist
Chat with an artist: how Angelika Weinekötter’s connection with nature shapes her art
In this interview, we dive into the creative world of contemporary painter Angelika Weinekötter. The artist shares her creative journey that started with an early connection with nature that pushed her to explore themes of transformation and consciousness by capturing the dialogue between humans and their environment.
This conversation took place on the road to the “Bodies of Water” art exhibition, a curated collection that brings together artworks inspired by water and its symbolic meanings. Curated by Sergio Gomez and Didi Menendez, the exhibition will run from November 7 to December 27, 2024, at the 33 Contemporary Gallery, located within the Palm Beach Art & Design Showroom. Additionally, an online art show is now available, powered by ArtPlacer.
Read on to discover more about Angelika Weinekötter’s artistic contributions to this exhibit.
Angelika’s art process is deeply rooted in an early-age connection with nature.
Tell us a little about your background. How did your journey as an artist begin, and what inspired you to pursue a creative career?
Since childhood, I have felt a deep connection to nature and its living beings. I was fascinated by animals, their movements, and how they interacted with their surroundings. My journey as an artist began with a desire to understand and express this mysterious connection. Painting gave me the ability to make the invisible visible, to transform silence into dialogue. This drive for exploration and communication continues to propel me today.
Your artwork is featured in the ‘Bodies of Water’ exhibition. Can you share the story behind the piece(s) you submitted? What themes does your work explore?
My piece for the ‘Bodies of Water’ exhibition is titled “Transformation Breathing Light.” It explores the metaphysical properties of water as a medium of change. Unlike my other works, which often focus on the relationship between humans and animals, this piece centers on water as a symbol of transformation and the journey into deeper layers of consciousness.
The human figure in the painting is accompanied by fish, representing the soul, serving as silent companions on an introspective journey. It’s about transformation and the power of water as both a physical and metaphysical medium. The work invites viewers to reflect on inner processes of transformation that occur in silence and beneath the surface.
“Transformation Breathing Light” is the piece Angelika will be showcasing at the “Bodies of water” exhibition.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial concept to the final piece?
My creative process often begins with small pencil thumbnails. These help me quickly capture ideas and test different compositions. I then work digitally on my iPad, where I refine the color scheme and details. Once the concept is ready, I transfer it to the canvas and start with a grisaille underpainting. After that, I add colored layers and, finally, many glazes to create depth and luminosity. The process remains dynamic until the end, and I continuously make adjustments.
How do your experiences and surroundings influence your work? How does your identity or background play a role in your creations?
My experiences, especially my strong connection to nature, shape my work. Even as a child, I wanted to understand animals and uncover their secrets. This quest runs through all my artistic endeavors. My background in traditional painting and craftsmanship also flows into my work—I aim to combine what I have learned with a contemporary realism that raises questions and encourages reflection.
Water is such a powerful symbol—what does it represent in your work? How do you connect with the exhibition’s theme, and what unique perspective do you bring to it?
In my work, water represents the elemental, the connective, and the mysterious. It symbolizes the origin of all life and the fragility of our existence. In “Transformation Breathing Light,” water represents not only a physical environment but also serves as a metaphor for diving into deeper levels of consciousness and inner transformation. The inspiration from Botticelli’s “Venus,” which I studied intensely during my stay in Florence, manifested unconsciously in this work. Unlike my other pieces that often focus on the connection between humans and animals, this one emphasizes water as a medium of transformation. It symbolizes change and the inner journey, with fish playing the role of soul guides, leading the figure into stillness and reflection.
A view into the top 5 selection of artworks from the “Bodies of Water” exhibition.
What do you want people to feel or take away when they view your work?
I want people to experience a moment of stillness and reflection. My works are meant to invite viewers to feel the connection between all living beings and recognize the fragility of these connections. It’s about perceiving the invisible—the threads that connect us to our environment and other living beings. In “Transformation Breathing Light,” I especially want to emphasize the transformative power of water and silence, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own inner processes of change.
Building an online presence has become essential for artists in today’s digital age. How do you use social media and art marketing tools to connect with your audience and promote your work?
I use social media to let my audience be part of my creative process. Platforms like Instagram are a tool for me to showcase my work and give behind-the-scenes insights. It’s important for me to not only how finished pieces but also the journey and stories behind them.
Angelika’s work inspires the viewer to feel the connection between all living beings.
What role do exhibitions like ‘Bodies of Water’ that are both physical and digital play in an artist’s career?
Exhibitions like ‘Bodies of Water,’ which are accessible both physically and digitally, provide a unique opportunity to reach a broader audience. They allow art to be experienced not only in a traditional gallery space but also to be accessible worldwide. These hybrid formats are a valuable chance to network and engage with people in different contexts.
How has participating in this exhibition impacted you?
Participating in this exhibition is an exciting opportunity to present my work within the context of a universal theme. It allows me to share my perspective with other artists and discover different approaches to such a powerful symbol as water. I look forward to experiencing the audience’s reactions and am curious about the new impulses and ideas that will emerge for my future work. Preparing for the exhibition has already led me to delve deeper into the theme of transformation and explore new forms of expression.
What advice would you give aspiring artists just starting their journey?
I would advise young artists to stay curious and find their own voice. It is important to be honest with yourself and follow your interests, even if they lie outside the mainstream. Art is a journey that requires courage—the courage to make mistakes, experiment, and take detours. Connecting to what is personally meaningful is the key to creating authentic and significant work.
Editor’s note: this interview has been edited for length and clarity.
