I grew up “free-range” in a small town in Germany before studying Philosophy and Japanology at the University of Hamburg. Supported by scholarships, I moved to Japan to immerse myself in the language, culture, and philosophy of the region. There, I led a quiet, monastic life while completing my Master’s in Buddhist Philosophy.

While visiting a friend in New Zealand, I fell in love with the “Kiwi way” of life. I subsequently relocated, trained as a high school teacher, and have remained in education ever since. As a self-taught artist, my creative practice has evolved into my ikigai. I cherish the meditative journey and the liberation that painting offers, constantly exploring new media, viewpoints, and techniques.

While I am inspired by landscapes and abstraction, I am most deeply drawn to the human experience—our shared joys, sufferings, hopes, and dreams. Through portraiture, I seek to capture compassion, connection, and the profound depth of the human spirit. I invite you to join me on this artistic journey toward a more mindful life and a wisdom that is accessible to us all.

My solo exhibitions, Becoming (The Back Studio, Oct 2021) and Art Seeks Wisdom (The Incubator, May 2024), explored the threads that connect us. This theme of connection recurred in my recent February 2026 exhibition at Thistle Hall in Wellington, Of A Wild God, which centered on the life and work of Nick Cave.