I never really considered myself to be an artist. If – and I don’t even know if I want to put myself in categories like that – I am a scientist. Even in the field of art. My creative process is closely related to the curiosity that also drives me as a researcher. And I think there are several parallels in the concept of both.

Likewise as in science, being creative is most often a journey into the unknown and closely tight to the process of ‘thinking outside the box.’ In my life as a PhD student that might mean that I have to build my experimental setup out of everyday-items from Tamimi and IKEA or try to solve the answer to questions by having a new and different look at my data set. As an artist, life can be quite similar – by changing perspectives, sometimes even literally (e.g., in Photography) or by using unusual materials.

 

 

 

 

 

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Further, I think that the most powerful research teams are multidisciplinary ones. I love the power that a project can get once different backgrounds, knowledge and passion come together. Same applies to art, my most favorite pieces are the ones where different influences and techniques come together.

 

I think that rather technical view is mainly influenced by my grandfather. He was a professional artist working for the biggest German movie studios, all his life he painted sceneries, copied classical art pieces and much more for movies. I was always fascinated about the technical aspect of this – as he knew ‘how’ to paint/draw something he was able to copy almost every style and artist, from Picasso to Rembrandt, from Kandinsky to Casper David Friedrich.

 

That is also the reason why I started copying first – to learn ‘how’ to draw/paint something and by doing so, improving my skills. Therefore, it is not the actual motive of the picture, but the different techniques and methods that fascinate me. Rather than defying and - maybe therefore even restricting myself to a certain style or method - I love to explore and try new things. 

 

 

Susann Rossbach