Interview

Aug 11

Kristina Ulrich

Kristina is an art therapist and artist. Originally from Kazakhstan, she currently lives in the middle of the Harz mountains, Germany.

For as long as she can remember, painting has always been Kristina’s greatest passion.

In 2019, Kristina decided to debut her works at an art fair in Leipzig, Germany. Since then, she has participated in various exhibitions, both local and international.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“Art has always been my great love, and I've been painting pretty much my whole life. Whenever I received new pens as a child, I was always super excited. For me, there was no better gift than something to paint.
I taught myself everything I know about art. I never went to art classes or any other formal art education. I developed my painting style through trial and experimentation, enjoying it simply for the sheer pleasure it made me feel.”

What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?

“My art reflects my thoughts and emotions that are not apparent to the viewer — at least, not at first glance. Each of my paintings tells a personal story about me, but I prefer to keep the meanings to myself. I don’t want to put myself in the foreground, but rather give people the freedom to observe their own emotions and interpretations.”

Which current art world trends are you following?

“I don’t follow trends. Instead, I paint what feels right to me. I have experimented with many different techniques and materials and developed my painting style from them.”

Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?

“I never plan, but I always have images that pop up in my head and then go away. Some of them remain, and those are the ones I try to put on canvas. Sometimes, however, I grab a canvas and some paints, and paint without knowing what will come of it.
At other times, I see photos of inspiring people and just feel the need to paint them. One such example is Frida Kahlo — I painted my very first portrait of her on canvas.”

“When I’m painting, I enter a world in which there are no more taboos and borders; a place where I feel completely free and can just be myself.”

What process, materials, techniques, etc., do you use to create your artwork?

“I usually paint with acrylic colors, but sometimes I have found myself using oil paints. I actually like oil paints better, but I’m too impatient and the drying time is too long.
I like the mix of realistic details and blurred elements. And I love gold! Golden accents can be found in each of my paintings.”

What does your art mean to you?

“Since I’ve been painting almost my entire life, art is simply an integral part of my life. My art means freedom for me. The freedom to let go of thoughts and emotions, be completely unrestricted, and immerse myself in my own world while painting.”