My name is Franziska Dörfel, I am a contemporary artist from Germany. I was born in Rostock in East Germany in 1982. After graduating from high school and my training in wood carving in Thuringia, I began my studies for art & philosophy at the University of Greifswald. During my studies, I decided to become a professional artist and began my painting studies at the University of Art Burg Giebichenstein in Halle/Saale. Since then awakened my fascination with the art of the old masters and the simultaneous interest in abstract and contemporary art. In my studio, I have been working intensively on the fascination of exploring the boundaries between abstraction and figurative painting and the development of my artistic expression.

My work’s starting point is the informal oil painting on canvas. In the gesture application of colour on canvas I create a stage for my themes. In its creation, the canvas is an open space that develops and changes through the process of feeling the existing abstract color spaces. My artistic research is on the superposition, densification, and transparency of color. Sometimes pastos or glazed she strengthens my picture themes, which I work out layer by layer. My works deal with the duality of human beings and with the deeper, often contradictory complexity of our existence. My painting is the visualization of the inner world. They show different levels of inner spaces that move between consciousness and subconscious, trying to understand man with his emotions and entanglements, the core of his actions.

In this week’s studio visit interview, we explore the creative space of artist Franziska Dörfel, who invites us into her workspace filled with inspiration. She shares her journey as a painter, discussing her creative process and the themes that drive her work. Accompanied by her dog, Franziska reflects on her daily routine, the emotions behind her paintings, and the importance of silence and concentration in her craft. As we step into her studio, we can smell the familiar scents of turpentine, coffee, and even a hint of wet dog, all of which contribute to the unique atmosphere where her art comes to life.

1.  Franziska, can you describe your typical day in the studio and your creative process?

I go to work in my studio with my dog. I’m lucky enough to only walk through woods and fields and during this time I make mental appointments with artists I love. My studio is in a large old school in the center of the village. I work there from early in the morning until midday, 5 days a week.

2.    What is the primary inspiration behind your current body of work?  

People need mirrors and stories to understand themselves. I believe that good works of art are keys to doors that, in the best case, open rooms that the recipient has not yet entered. They don’t know the structures, they don’t know the view through the windows, they don’t know what awaits them there. Perhaps he will meet himself? In the noise of the visual world, good works are anchors that make it possible to linger, resonate for a long time, and perhaps always remain. I am grateful when my work can open these doors. For me, the search for this is a driving force in the creation of each work.

The initial themes of a painting are never fixed. I sift through my collected references from old paintings, sketches and memories, sculptures, photographs, film clips, and newspaper articles… if the work resonates with the fragments of the painting, I incorporate and integrate them. My painting is a constant negotiation with the emerging and emerging protagonists and processes on the canvas. I struggle with my resistance and that of the material. Decisions have to be made about the composition, the colors, and the statement of an evolving work. What can remain? What has to disappear? I am hard on myself. It often happens that I paint over everything and turn the canvas upside down or sand it down again. Everything starts all over again, but much more secure in the lines and the statement, until the work and I are satisfied. Then there’s nothing more to say and I can let it go without a second thought.

3. What is your favorite memory or incident from your studio?

My favorite memory is the last exhibition in my studio in May 2024 for the cultural Landpartie. I opened my studio for 10 days and received visitors. It was exciting and joyful and terrifying at the same time. My studio is my retreat and the space for my inner contemplation and intimate dialog with my work. Many people are excited to watch the artist at work and talk to him. I understand that and really appreciate deep conversations about work. At the same time, the feeling of being watched crept into my consciousness and I switched roles. I am actually the observer. Enduring this contradiction was the hardest task for me.

4. Do you have any studio assistants or do any visitors like pets or kids often accompany you?

Silence untouched nature and deep immersion in my inner world are my resources, my assistants, and the places of my inspiration. Silence is a completely underestimated resource to open the doors inside. Painting is concentration. An image needs certain conditions to show itself. Concentration, time, light, good work material, and distance are my allies in being able to work. I work in my studio on several works at the same time to be able to meet the picture again and again with a new and unbiased look. Leaving the universe of work and then continuing to paint with a sharpened look is necessary and valuable because a good image must unfold in the confidence that everything takes its time. Some pictures take months to mature, others tolerate much less attention and breathe through their simplicity.

5. How would you describe a dream studio for yourself?

In my dreams, I have my studio in the south of France. I love the light of the French Impressionists and am always a little sad about the light conditions in northern Germany.

6. What does your studio smell of right now?

Turpentine, coffee cigarette and wet dog😂

7. If you get a chance to set up your studio anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

In my dreams, I have my studio in the south of France. I love the light of the French Impressionists and am always a little sad about the light conditions in northern Germany.

8. Can you discuss any ongoing projects or plans you have for your work?  

My work is like a big river. I never know what to expect.

9. How do you organize your space?

Art is a process and an offering to the duality of creation with all its facets of feelings narratives and experiences of human existence. With the claim of wanting to communicate something in art and my understanding of assimilation from within, it takes time and contemplation to create deep works. Normally, I sometimes have nothing to say. Nevertheless, I continue to work hard to explore the material and techniques of oil painting. Painting is work and a constant routine in the studio is important to technically refine your style. Working on your maturity requires regular practice. When I’m not inspired, I paint what’s around me, make portraits, play with color gradients, or read artist books to learn from others. Tidying up and organizing your space is also a good way to overcome stagnation and blockages while painting.

10. What is your favorite corner in the studio?

Directly in front of the canvas with the hand in the oil paint in concentration and devotion completely connected with the picture.

Franziska Dörfel’s studio has a cozy and inviting feel, filled with the comforting scents of turpentine, coffee, and a hint of wet dog. It’s a spacious area in a large, old-school building, giving it a sense of history and warmth. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, perfect for deep reflection and concentration. Sunlight filters in, creating a bright and inspiring environment where she can explore her creativity. Visit our website to explore other artists’ virtual studio spaces. To get featured on our website, don’t forget to apply for this month’s call for art.

Read more about Franziska Dörfel on her Website and Instagram.

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