Renate Hamer's work is impressive in its diversity. The Hamburg artist's paintings range from realistic portraits to expressive, abstract motifs with expressive color compositions that contain a wealth of moods, techniques and color schemes. In the interview, she reveals details about her time at the private academy and talks about hurdles that have to be overcome in the artistic profession.
When did you first hold a brush in your hand and realize that you were drawn to painting?
During my school years, in the 5th or 6th grade
What inspires you? Do you also experience phases in which you have difficulty finding or feeling inspiration? What do you do in moments of stagnation and lack of inspiration?
Painting allows me to express my feelings and process my thoughts. If I don't paint for a long time, I need time to get back into it. But sometimes a break from art is good for me.
Is there a particular artist or art movement that particularly impresses you? Do you take inspiration from certain artists, painting styles or approaches?
In the first few years as a graduate at the private academy, we were taught a wide variety of painting styles by different artists. This is how I created many pictures using different techniques.
How do you begin your creative process? What feeling determines you when you pick up your painting tools?
I start painting without any idea. I let everything out and am sometimes surprised by the result.
What are your preferred mediums to work with? Acrylic, watercolor or oil?
At the moment I work a lot with acrylic, quartz sand, collages, etc.
Which technique has influenced you the most in your creative process? Which technique do you feel most comfortable with in your current creative process and why?
I like the old master technique because it requires a great deal of skill. But what I like best is the monotype. It is and always will be unique. Randomness and structures give a monotype a special charm. I still work a lot with monotypes today.
How long do you work on a piece and when is a piece finished for you?
This varies greatly, it always depends on the technology.
How would you describe the changes that your works and your painting style have undergone over time?
After leaving the private academy in July 2015, my painting style changed. I paint freely, without pressure, and can let off steam.
Your range of colours and especially their intensity is very diverse. Would you like to say something about your relationship with colour (in general)?
My colors always depend on my mood. Sometimes soft, sometimes strong, sometimes loud and sometimes quiet.
What do you think was the most important advice you received during your time at the Leonardo Fine Art private academy and which perhaps influences your work to this day?
The acquisition of craft and methods from simple drawing and simple painting processes to complex mixed techniques. In painting I can let my feelings run wild. I was able to overcome highs and lows with the help of my painting.
From your experience, what kind of hurdles await someone who decides to dedicate their life to art? Have you had to overcome hurdles as an artist? How did you deal with them?
I often got in my own way and put myself under pressure. I had very high expectations of my paintings. It is very difficult to make a living as an artist. I have always worked and have never had these financial worries.
What do you hope that a viewer of your work will learn from them? What do you want to awaken in the viewer?
My pictures speak for themselves. Sometimes they are loud and sometimes quiet. They show a lot of my feelings and tell stories.
Do you have a vision of the direction your art could take in the future?
I want to show the diversity of my entire work and I will continue to paint as long as my fingers can handle it. I hope that my paintings will find a new home.
