How would you like your story to be told?

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Yes, how would you like your story to be told?

Will it be a story full of excuses and reasons, perfectly plausible, why you did not live your dreams, succeeded at your goals or lived happily?

Or will it be a story of how you overcome the obstacles and challenges, on how you tried and maybe sometimes failed, but then tried again and how you chose to live happily despite whatever bad things life threw at you?

And how are you yourself telling the story of your life?

Thinking about this, might be a good way of telling how you are living your life and to consider if this is the best possible way.

Which kind of story do you most like to hear others telling you about their lives?

Untitled (sitting person) Charcoal and Acrylic on paper, 105 x 135cm by Imke Rust

Untitled (sitting person) Charcoal and Acrylic on paper, 105 x 135cm

When I prepared for the workshop I had to present in the Ukraine to young curators I was struck by this question. I was faced with preparing a two-day workshop in a field where I knew that I did not have the proper recognized qualifications and also could not match up with the experiences of my co-presenters, who in my eyes were the ‘real curators’, the ones who have curated the big Documentas and who earn their daily living and a great deal of international recognition with being curators.

And I? Who am I and what could I possibly share in these dreaded two days, which they could not do better?

My head was in a flat spin. I thought of the messed-up situation that was my so-called curator job at the gallery many years ago. I remembered the challenges I faced at the experiencing.etosha art project and how disillusioned I was afterwards, about so many things. I cringed when I thought about the endless hard work that went into the ‘shared experiences’ cultural exchange program which I called into life with Oliver Schruoffeneger and co-managed for several years, the ingrate artists and constant nerve wrecking scramble to keep sponsors and artist and everybody else happy, while feeling totally unappreciated…

What of any of this is worth to share? But yet, somebody must have thought that I am the perfect person to offer my two-cent’s worth of wisdom to some wonderfully ambitious and young curators, otherwise I would not have been invited. They have done a lot to be able to attend this workshop, they expect to go home with lots of new and worthwhile knowledge and they surely do dream of becoming influential curators and this should be a stepping-stone in this dream. And I owe it to them (and to the workshop organizers) to do my very best to somehow enrich their lives and career through my presence.

I agonized for days about this. Then it struck me…

While I focus on my failures and on unrealised expectations, others see what I did have achieved and admire me for that. If I am totally honest, I also do believe that I have achieved a lot, maybe not always in the way I wanted, or with the results I hoped for, but still… Yet, there are also many people who are critical (or openly hostile) about me, my art or what I am doing and how I am doing it. So to which of these groups should I give the stage?

None. Because both scare me in their own way. The positive ones, do not know or see my struggles and the negative ones only focus on what (according to them) I am doing wrong. I am the only true authority on my life, and even if my vision of it is sometimes rose-tinted and at others overcast with insecurities and doubts, I do have the main role in it and do know it best. It is not the critics who count, but my intentions, my efforts and me living my live wholeheartedly.

Facing the Eagle 100x130cm, Acrylic and charcoal on paper Inspired by a dream I had... by Imke Rust

Facing the Eagle
100x130cm, Acrylic and charcoal on paper
Inspired by a dream I had…

So, I could have told the story about my curatorial experiences just as I did above. Or I could take one step back, focus on the bigger picture, relate my intentions, my hopes and ideas, the challenges I faced and how I overcome them, or how and why I failed or succeeded. I could tell what I have learned. What I will do better or different next time. And most of all, I could tell how I moved on, started over, tried again. I realised that in my own way, I have collected interesting experiences, learned many skills worth sharing and found solutions where others just saw problems.

I have true in-depth knowledge about that. And I know that I have a great critical mind, which I can trust to guide me in being direct, honest and practical. And that is what I did and the story of my life which I shared. You can read more about how that was received in this previous blog.

While preparing for this, I realised that I do not want to look back at my life and tell the story of why things did not work out as I wished and how that is the reason for an unlived life and unhappiness.

I want to have the courage to do my best and if that did not work out, then try again and again and again. To have the courage to decide to live a life that feels purposeful and inspirational to me; with or without great achievements.

My father urged me to read the biography of George W. Carver (The Man Who Overcame). I decided to use my flight back from the Ukraine to start with it. I cried throughout most of the flight. It felt pretty embarrassing, but hey, what can a girl do who is extremely sensitive to the injustice of this world?!

Born into slavery (+-1860) with a wish to get an education and find the answers to his questions this young black child was determined to find a way. I lost count of how many dreadful experiences he had, how many huge obstacles he overcome and how hard he worked to get his schooling and finally be admitted to college on grounds of his extraordinary good marks, only to be rejected again when he arrived and they realised that he was black, and black men were not allowed to study there. Still he continued with an incredible amount of perseverance, hard work, patience and humility. Despite all odds, he went on to become one of the most prominent scientists and inventors of his time, he was also an extraordinary artist, botanist and pianist. And most of all he made a real contribution to the upliftment of his people and the fight against poverty… (If you have not heard of him, you should do yourself a favour and read the abovementioned book –also available in German – or check him out in this short movie http://www.biography.com/people/george-washington-carver-9240299#early-years )

Life sometimes deals you heavy blows... that is just how it is. But we have the choice to make them part of the dance. To turn them into something beautiful. 'Part of the Dance' Charcoal and Acrylic on paper. 105 x 140cm by Imke Rust

Life sometimes deals you heavy blows and knocks… that is just how it is. But we have the choice to make them part of the dance. To turn them into something beautiful.
‘Part of the Dance’ Charcoal and Acrylic on paper. 105 x 140cm

I am telling you about this man, because he seemed to have everything counting against him. He would have had every possible excuse to feel sorry for himself and to curse at the cards he got dealt again and again. He could have blamed every thing and so many people for having a miserable life and everybody would nod and fully agree that he did not have a chance. Yet, he chose to overcome. To try again and again. He worked damn hard. He hurt and he doubted, yet he got up again and tried again. And even when he had all the fame and could have had all the fortune, he stayed humble, refused a salary increase for most of his life and worked till his death in search of ways to improve the lives of the people around him.

What a man! And what an inspiration! What a life well-lived!

If he could overcome all this and be such an inspiration to so many people, who am I to not at least try to live my life purposefully, content and try again and again. In comparison to him the obstacles I have had to face in my life faint into nothingness.

I believe we can all choose to overcome so many things. We can end up telling an exciting, uplifting and inspirational story of a life well lived and that is what I want to do. And every time I feel like giving up, I want to ask myself: is this the end of the story you want to tell about your life? Or is this the beginning of another awesome creative adventure?

I need reminding of this every now and then – that’s why I am putting it in writing here 😉 .

Imke Rust. Are you having fun in your life? If not, how could you change that? I had fun with the large format paper and painting whatever I like... 'Having Fun' 120 x 105cm Mixed media (Charcoal, graphite, arylic and waxcrayon) on paper

Are you having fun in your life? If not, how could you change that? I had fun with the large format paper and painting whatever I like and this came out of it…
‘Having Fun’ 120 x 105cm Mixed media (Charcoal, graphite, arylic and waxcrayon) on paper

 

Creative Play

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Were you also told not to play with your food as a kid?

Yesterday we had soup for lunch and we sprinkled lots of freshly picked parsley over it. It looked and tasted delicious – thanks to my husbands cooking skills. I did finish my soup and I did not play with it, but while we were still sitting and talking after the meal, I noticed the leftover stems from the parsley still lying next to my plate…

Five minutes later, I had these … and a big smile on my face.

Peeing Dog (Parsely stems and pencil)
Elk / Elch (Parsely stems)

Do you like my blogs? Great!

Would you mind to telling me what you like best about them? I am taking stock and considering how to continue. Would you like to read more about what I am busy with? See more art, maybe with less writing? Hear more about my thoughts, ideas and musings? Do you prefer shorter or longer posts, or does it depend more on the content? And would you like to hear more often from me, or less? Or any other construcitve criticism which you would like to share?

If you have a moment, I would love to hear from you why you are here, so that I can share with you more of the extra-special magic stuff that you like most about me and my blog.

Thank you in advance!!!

 

As artist-curator in the Ukraine

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What an exhilarating time it has been!

And I realise that I have been neglecting this blog a bit, with the last post being almost a month back… my apologies to all of you.

I just came back from my second visit to Kharkiv/Kharkow in the eastern Ukraine. The first time I came here in June, on a research and introductory visit for a project initiated by partners Osteuropa gGmbH. Together with the wonderful Tatyana Tumasyan and her dedicated staff at the Municipal Gallery of Kharkiv we planned and curated an exhibition, to be opened in September. The exhibition’s opening and the German-Ukrainian cooperation marked the start of the German Weeks in the Ukraine.

The exhibition ‘Understanding – Понимание’ featured installations and performances in public spaces. Eight young, but well-known Kharkiv artists were selected by us to present new works for this exhibition. They are Gamlet Zinkovsky, Konstantin Zorkin, Uliana Alimova, Boba Group, Vladislav Krasnoshchok, Oksana Solop, Vitaly Kokhan and Daria Rakova. The Municipal Gallery did an incredible job at preparing the show and I was very happy and grateful to be able to be present at the opening on the 24th of September.

Here are some pictures of the exhibition (please click on the images to see the full view and read my descriptions):

Exhibition Poster This exhibition has been curated by the Charkiv Municipal Gallery in cooperation with Namibian-German artist-curator Imke Rust. Here are some views of the opening tour and artworks. 25 September 2015 about “Understanding” The question of understanding, or rather – the absence of understanding, has become an acute social problem of modern Ukraine. The loss of empathy and real communication in human relations becomes more and more apparent. Therefor the artist’s role as mediator is necessary. Art has to be taken out into the streets more, in order to directly inspire and stimulate a dialog. Otherwise the important messages of the artists might drown in the cacophony of the city. In this project different voices of young Charkiv artists are carefully placed into the multi-layered cityscape to provoke dialog and accentuate specific themes. Art is an exceptional way of communication; it encourages a dialogue not only between the artist and the audience, but also between different people of society. This dialog can also grow beyond the borders of the city and country, as art has the potential to overcome language barriers and facilitate vital understanding between people and nations. If the artists act as the voice of society, then art can become an interpreter of our thoughts and ideas.
Tatyana opening the exhibition
Vitaliy Kokhan’s performance, releasing fish which can usually only be afforded by the rich into the public pond.
Boba Group performance- They set up a small stall on a public square, similar to what political parties do to inform people about their intentions and gain voters. Just that this is called the ‘fishy party’ which hands out freshly grilled sardines to the public for free. Something’s fishy in the politics…
Boba Group performance- They set up a small stall on a public square, similar to what political parties do to inform people about their intentions and gain voters. Just that this is called the ‘fishy party’ which hands out freshly grilled sardines to the public for free. Something’s fishy in the politics…
Dasha Rakova explaining her work, made by different objects owned by different people, and each tells a story that helps to better understand the person
Konstantin Zorkin’s work about understanding
Oksana Solop’s work
Vladyslav Krasnoshchok: old photographs being reworked and printed on large canvases, displayed on old buildings.
Ukrainian art critic and PhD student in Art History, Vincent and me
Touring the artworks. This mural painting is by artist Gamlet Zinkovsky
Gallery staff enjoying a pizza after a successful opeing.

And a short video of the Boba-Group performance:

Besides the exhibition, I was also invited to present a workshop for a group of 12 young curators, who were selected from all over the Ukraine.

Together with Monika Szewczyk, director of the gallery Arsenal in Bialystok, Poland (www.galeria-arsenal.pl) and Viktor Misiano (http://www.re-aligned.net/viktor-misiano/?lang=en). Each of us had 2 days to work with the young curators…

Honestly, when I was first asked to do this, I wanted to say NO. Although I have been working as a curator in the National Art Gallery of Namibia, have curated a few independent exhibitions and art projects and have experience in large international bi-lateral projects like the p.art.ners berlin-windhoek ‘Shared Experiences’ Artistic and Cultural Exchange project between Namibia and Germany, I did not feel that I was really qualified to be in this world-class company of other ‘real’ full-time curators. I wondered what I could possibly teach these young curators, which the other presenters would not be able to do better, as they work with the subject every day.

Then I thought, if I am invited for this, there must be something valuable and special which I can add to this workshop. The organisers believed in me and trusted that I am exactly the right person for this. They would not have approached me if it was otherwise. And I realised that yes, I always believed that I have so much to share that would be helpful and inspirational to others, and now I have the chance to do it. We all have a specific combination of superpowers that make us who we are and let us live our life’s purpose. And I have unique experiences, views and ideas that are worth sharing with others (and so have each of you, by the way).

So I chose to share my personal experiences related to the challenges as an artist in Namibia and in the world and the solutions and alternatives that I have found for myself. I shared what worked for me and why, and what did not. Suddenly I realised that even my frustrations and failures had value in guiding me in a perfect way on my journey and by sharing these (and how I have been able to overcome them, or move on from them) I can really help others.

Getting ready for my lecture
Very interesting experience to present a lecture with a synchronised translation in the conference room of the German consulate.
The participants and me after a completed workshop.

From the feedback and the many ‘thank you’s’, which I got, I am deeply honoured and can say with gratitude that my aim to inspire and enrich these young curators was successful. Here are messages I received from two of the participants, which so much warmed my heart:

“Thank you to incredible Imke Rust for the fact that no matter what the circumstances, not taking into account any impossibility, seeking the most noble and most necessary to improve this planet. For her contagious faith in something that everyone is able to change the world for the better. For her projects, for her unique experience and most importantly, for her desire to share this experience.” Владислава Ильинская
Dear Imke, thank you so much for the workshop you did in Kharkiv! It was really inspiring and motivating. You have a very particular charm and energy, that there are no doubts that you can make it rain. 🙂
Thank you a lot and wish you all the best in your projects! Olena Kasperovych/ Kharkiv, Ukraine

(They were both translated from Ukrainian to English via the Google translator.)

Even though I had a positive feeling about the workshop, I cannot tell you how much it means  to me to get personal feedback and assurance like this! Because unfortunately, no matter how much I have achieved or how confident I appear to be, I often feel so insecure and am worrying if what I am doing is good enough… (Note to self: give more positive feedback to others when it is merited. Not only will it be appreciated, but very often it helps that person to overcome their insecurities and doubts a little bit more. And I guess we all have some of those.)

While the participants could hopefully take many lessons home, I can say for sure that I did too.

I learned that

  • it is important to share ones experiences in a way which inspires others.
  • we need to trust in our unique strengths and talents and use them like superpowers.
  • We need to stay true to ourselves.
  • It is a beautiful gift to be able to understand each other (even if that means you need a translator)
  • Little by little all our actions can and do add up, so make even the smallest one count.
  • there are so many young, engaged people out there who are ready to change the world.
  • Even if outer circumstances differ, usually the patterns of the problems we are facing seem to be very similar. After all we are all human and struggle with similar issues.
  • my name looks like this in Ukrainian letters:  Имке Руст

Besides the workshop and exhibition, I also have been interviewed for an hour by the Ukrainian National television, as well as giving two interviews for local magazines, about my art and I presented an open public lecture at the gallery… Working hard and loving it! The TV interview was really surreal and I am very curious to see the show and I will forever wonder how much got lost or changed in translation? But I do believe the essence will always seep through if we share and receive with an open heart.

I am grateful for having had this opportunity, for meeting so many new and special people and artists, for getting to know a new country and culture, for being able to inspire others and be a blessing in their lives, for realising that it is indeed possible for me to travel with hand-baggage only and how empowering it can be to face and overcome my own fears (like being alone in a foreign country of which I do not understand the language).

I realised that I enjoy sharing my ideas and knowledge in order to help, enrich and inspire others, so I hope that life will present me with many more similar opportunities.

My very special thanks goes to Nastia, who is the kindest, hardworking and committed young curator of the Municipal Gallery of Kharkiv, who also has been my very capable Ukrainian voice (translator) most of the time.

And here are some Kharkiv impressions:

Nastia (left) with her sister
The Municipal Gallery
Departure from the Charkiv Airport

I hope you enjoyed this summary and pictures of my trip to the Ukraine.

Thou Shall Not Make Elephants from Mosquitoes

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… or so they say. At least in German. You might have guessed that it means you should not make out a problem worse than it is or something like that. Which I am not going to do…

But seriously, the mosquitoes in Germany are huge and evil. Unlike the African mosquitoes, which I am used to, they are not deterred by wearing long clothes. They sting right through your pants or shirt. They arrive in huge swarms. And their stings lure my immune system into a huge battle, showing off giganormous red spots and itching like hell.

So during our holiday we encountered beautiful beaches just like in this photo, hanging in our rented bungalow. We had a really good time and weather just like in the picture.

Cheap calendar print of beach scene in our holiday appartment

Cheap calendar print of beach scene in our holiday appartment

Still, this photo alone does not sum our memories of this holiday, as one important aspect is missing. Killer-mosquitoes en masse. At some stage I actually think the sky turned dark from them flying by.

… and I caught myself wondering if it were not actually much more pleasant to see a herd of elephants calmly passing by, instead of these blood-sucking beasts. I cursed myself for having forgot my natural mossi repellent and being too health conscious as to buy the chemical version in the pharmacy. I also remembered the time when I turned into a serial killer (of mosquitoes) and made some art about it.

Pencil study of dead mosquitoes

Pencil study of dead mosquitoes

All over the ages people have left signs for fellow travellers, so that they could find the best spots or be warned of danger. I decided to follow suit and leave my warning on the wall for the next visitors to be better prepared for the inevitable.

The rebel in me also decided to not to listen to the Germans and indeed make elephants out of mosquitoes.

Detail of my Hotel-Deco-Busting Intervention Nr 16.

Detail of my Hotel-Deco-Busting Intervention Nr 16.

2015 Hotel Deco Busting:

Wie man aus Mücken Elefanten macht.

(How to make elephants out of mosquitoes.)

Intervention Against Tasteless Wall Decorations in Hotels and Holiday Apartments.(Part 16)
Intervention gegen geschmacklose Wanddekoration in Hotelzimmern und Ferienwohnungen.(Teil 16)

Since 2010 I have secretly been slightly altering tasteless or boring hotel or holiday apartment art whenever I had the chance to.

Wie man aus Mücken Elefanten macht Deco print with my Hotel-Deco-Busting Intervention

Wie man aus Mücken Elefanten macht
Deco print with my Hotel-Deco-Busting Intervention.
Ball-point pen and eraser on found calendar page

Detail

Detail of elephant mosqitoes

Before and After Picture of my Hotel-Deco-Busting Intervention Nr 16

Before and After Picture of my Hotel-Deco-Busting Intervention Nr 16

If you enjoyed this, you can view more Hotel Deco Busting Interventions Hotel Deco Busting Interventions by Imke Rust.

 

Counting my blessings

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Working during the holidays - another Hotel-Deco-Busting Intervention in the making.

Working during the holidays – another Hotel-Deco-Busting Intervention in the making.

Gratitude and Compassion

Very often I look around me and feel deep gratitude for the blessings in my life. My life is in no way spectacular, and yet I have so much to be grateful for. A roof over my head, comfort, enough food, contact to my family and friends and lots of freedom of choice of the work I do and if I would like to stay in Namibia or in Germany.

Fate has it, that I met a German man, got married to him and had the choice to legally live and work in Germany. Being an artist is nowhere easy, but part of the reason why I choose to join my man in Germany, was that here I have access to a much larger market, more galleries and museums and other such opportunities, than in Namibia.

Many people do not have such choices or a comfortable life. Some of these people are living in war torn countries or in places with no hope for a better life no matter how hard they work, or they are prosecuted for their sexual orientation or believes… How could anybody possibly want to deny them the very difficult choice to leave that life behind and follow their dream of a safe and better life somewhere else? If you were in their situation, what would you do? And how would you want to be treated?

Refugees and forced migration

Every time there is talk about the ‘refugee crisis’ in the news or amongst friends and all the hate towards asylum seekers, I am not only saddened, but I also feel a deep-rooted fear rising up in my body. The fear of not belonging and not being welcomed… A familiar and deep-rooted fear in me from an early age, although I am not sure how and why it is part of me. My heart reaches out to these people who have suffered so much and been so courageous to take up the risky and life-threatening journey to try and seek asylum in a different country. At the same time I feel a deep distress about the hate, violence and lack of understanding and empathy that many people in Europe express towards these fellow human beings.

Maybe because I realise that I was just lucky. If I had fallen in love with a different man, things would be different. If had been born in a different country, I might be the one who now has to choose between a horrible war and a risky and cumbersome escape with no guarantees. All such things that we do not really have a choice about.

Detail from my latest Hotel-Deco-Busting Intervention: Refugees
Detail from my latest Hotel-Deco-Busting Intervention: Refugees

Namibia is safe. Thank goodness.

I also am very aware of how quickly things can change from my personal life. Not long ago in Zimbabwe, white farmers were brutally forced to leave their land and belongings and flee. They had to try and start a new life and find a totally new way of earning their livelihood. Since that time white farmers in Namibia live in a kind of suppressed or open anxiety that our government might decide to follow Zimbabwe’s example. And many white, mainly elderly, farmers have been murdered since. People I know, friends, their family members. This was the subject of my Power & Politics Series in 2003. The scale can tip so easily and fast.

Where do we go from here...? Digital Print, 2003, from the Power & Politics series.

Where do we go from here…? Digital Print, 2003, from the Power & Politics series. (c) Imke Rust

Namibia is a safe country and thank goodness, we have no war. Still there is also a very real danger of getting robbed, raped and/or murdered. People get murdered in Namibia on a daily basis. Every few weeks you hear of somebody who you actually knew or who was close to friends or family who got murdered. I know that the violence reaches through all communities, but, as I look from my perspective and family, I know that white farmers are a soft and common target and that there is a constant fear hanging over our heads, that some day it might just be you /me (or in this case my family). Wouldn’t it be safer for them in another country? Will they one day be chased away from the farm my father bought with his hard-earned money just as it happened in Zimbabwe a few years back? And if so, will some country grant us asylum? Will we be able to still afford a plane ticket or will we survive a journey by other means? I don’t know and I hope we never need to find out.

What I did find out was, that my chances as a white artist in Namibia were limited. After I had won the most prestigeous art competition in Namibia, I thought it was my break-through and people would judge me according to my achievements. But it turned out, that it was not considered ‘politically correct’ to sent a white artist to a symposium overseas, when enquiring telephonically how to apply for a bursary, the kind gentleman told me: “I can hear you are white, don’t waste your time, they will not give it to you.” and when I applied for funding from a German NGO in Namibia, I was told that I am not African. When I insited that I am, the lady told me, that my art is not ‘african-enough’, when I asked her to actually have a look at my art and it’s very African subject matter, she just shrugged and said: Well, you know how it is, they want to see more traditional stuff and black artists.

Now I am a white African living legally in Germany.

If I do not tell people, they would not know that I am African. So mostly I am accepted as one of them. When I travelled with a young black Namibian artist to Germany, I realised how differently we were treated at the immigration control and I felt ashamed and frustrated.

All these are petty little things and definitely do not compare in any way to the kind of life-and-death discrimination other people go through, but it made me understand that things are seldom as straight forward as we would like them to be. Very often without any of your fault and despite working hard or achieving great things, life and people can turn against you for some unexpected reason. If these small rejections have hurt me so much, how must somebody feel who goes through much worse? And wouldn’t you want to reach out to a person who has had a hard life and gone through trauma, war and loss, with kindness and assure them, that even if life is not fair, you will do your best to try and make things better for them and everybody?

These are the thoughts going through my head often, and I am grateful for the very privileged life that I can live, the choices, which I am free to make and the small and big delights of my everyday life. And being priviledged means that we have more capacity to help and care. And if we feel we cannot really help, at least do not critizise, judge, spread hate and violence against those who are less fortunate than you.  I wish for more empathy and understanding and help. I wish for a world where people do not need to flee from their home countries.

A long introduction to my latest Hotel-Deco-Busting Intervention

Before and After Marseille Porte de l’Afrique du Nord with refugees added.

Before and After
Marseille Porte de l’Afrique du Nord with refugees added.

Intervention Against Tasteless Wall Decorations in Hotels and Holiday Apartments. (Part 15)
Intervention gegen geschmacklose Wanddekoration in Hotelzimmern und Ferienwohnungen. (Teil 15)

Since 2010 I have secretly been slightly altering tasteless or boring hotel or holiday apartment art whenever I had the chance to.

I had the choice and the opportunity to leave my home to go on holiday somewhere else. What a blessing!

I have just returned from our one-week holiday to the small village Ahrenshoop at the Baltic See. The holiday bungalow we stayed in was at the same complex, as the one we stayed in back in 2010, where my very first Hotel-Deco-Busting Intervention (Bad Taste Parrot) happened.

(Since our last visit they have renovated the bungalows and I assume they must have found the little message, which I have left behind the ugly parrot decoration. I wish I would know and would have witnessed the reaction! I rather did not ask, as I had so many plans for our new bungalow.)

Anyway, this time, the bungalow was decorated with calendar pictures in every room. They showed photographs of the surrounding area, by unidentified photographers. The images were cut from calendars and framed rather carelessly in cheap frames.

So, when we were not out and enjoying the perfect weather and beach, I had lots of work to do.

The decoration in our bungalow's bedroom, after I have updated it a bit.

The decoration in our bungalow’s bedroom, after I have updated it a bit.

Above our bed in the holiday bungalow was a framed poster, the only one that was not a photograph. It was also the only one that did not show a scene from the surrounding area. It showed the harbour of Marseille in France. It’s title: Marseille Porte de l’Afrique du Nord – that must be French for something like Gate to North Africa.

In a description of the poster on the internet, I found this information about it: This advertising poster by Roger Broders was designed for the French Railway Company, the Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée (PLM), between 1920 and 1932. (…)At the time of its production, posters like these had a powerful effect on people’s imaginations; this was how imagery of far-away places found its way into advertising. This image glamourises not only travel, but also the modern machinery that made mass tourism possible.

The final Marseille Porte de l’Afrique du Nord poster with refugees added.

The final Marseille Porte de l’Afrique du Nord poster with refugees added.

For such a long time in history it seemed only natural and right that Europeans travelled the world, colonized African countries and if they wished to emigrate to them rather freely. That’s how my family ended up living in Africa… that’s how the US got populated with Europeans… People are moving, things are changing.

So, I decided to update this poster with a reminder that things are different today and while some people can afford to travel on holiday to a different country, others are forced to leave behind what they know and love, in the vain and desperate hope to survive. Consider what they are going through.

I am asking for just a bit more empathy, compassion and humanness in our world. We are all humans and ideally there should be no borders, as we all share this planet and will not be able to flee from here, if we mess things up here.

Detail from my latest Hotel-Deco-Busting Intervention: Refugees in boat.

Detail from my latest Hotel-Deco-Busting Intervention: Refugees in boat.

You can find previous Hotel-Deco-Busting Interventions of mine HERE.

You will not believe what I found in the forest…

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I decided to go for a spontaneous walk in the forest, because I felt overwhelmed by the emails I had to answer and the admin that I had to do. And I could not think, because my head ached so much.

Me in the forest

Me in the forest

I decided to only take my camera and my new summer hat along. And since I longed for a good foot massage, I went barefoot. I love that there are almost no thorns in the area where I live now. Back in Namibia there are so many, small ones which we call ‘dubbeltjies’ and large thorns, for instance from the Camelthorn trees. Going into the bush without shoes would be hell.

The forest ground welcomes you with soft moss. What a delight. Yet there are also broken off branches and pinecones, which can be quite painful when stepped on.

I found that walking barefoot in the forest made me walk slower and take every step with more consciousness. Not only did I get a foot massage, but I was also enjoying the sensations of the different textures beneath my feet. The feeling of being supported by a soft, green carpet made me feel connected and happy.

I found peace, trees and ferns in the forest.

I know, you will think that is nothing special. But it is. On a hectic day, peace is really special. And trees and ferns are too. Especially once you decide to see them, and then be grateful for their presence. They also make wonderful playmates and soul soothers.

Tree with line of fern leaves

Tree with line of fern leaves

Together we played a silly game and had a good time. We placed small parts of the fern leaves into the bark of a tree to form a line. And yes, just so that you know, I do ask permission and say my gratitude for the donation of the leaves from the fern. Here you can see what we have done.

 

Detail: Tree with line of fern leaves

Detail: Tree with line of fern leaves

Scrolling up and down the green line on the bark of the tree (the line is about 2m long )

Scrolling up and down the green line on the bark of the tree (the line is about 2m long )

I even made a small video.

 

Then I found 4 young birch trees, which have been driven over by the forestry vehicle. They were still holding on to their roots and growing, but they were lying flat across the earth, instead of growing upwards. I pulled them up and secured them with each other so that they can grow upwards again. I believe that were grateful and will soon go back to see how they are doing.

 

Lastly, I found a dirty puddle of water and the awesome orange peels of bark lying around.

This gave the impulse to one last game I played. I carefully arranged the bark in a long line on the water, taking care that they do not sink in. Suddenly the puddle looked much happier.

 

Detail view of the Bark Line

Detail view of the Bark Line

 

Bark Line in puddle of water

Bark Line in puddle of water

When I finished with this, I could even save a beautiful butterfly from drowning in a dirty puddle. 

See the video to get to know my unexpected co-creator:

 

So, two hours later I got home and felt much better.

I hope that you too have the chance to slip out into nature, every now and then, to get grounded and recharge your batteries.

 

The Morning After… Gold and Glamour in Kiev

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Looking at the hotel and a stunning rainbow over the Maidan, Kiev

Looking at the hotel and a stunning rainbow over the Maidan, Kiev

My hotel overlooks the Maidan in Kiev and I had two hours before sunset to find some food and spend time walking around this famous square. It was a national holiday, so the square was filled with people and music. And numerous reminders of the lives lost at the recent Euromaidan uprising which happened here just a few months ago…

So, once again, it was in the middle of the night, that I could start with my intervention to turn the hotel room’s decorative print into an original and unusual art work.

webBeforeAfter2015 Hotel Deco Busting

Intervention Against Tasteless Wall Decorations in Hotels and Holiday Apartments. (Part 14)
Intervention gegen geschmacklose Wanddekoration in Hotelzimmern und Ferienwohnungen.

Wow, this was already the 14th intervention! So, let me tell you about this one.

The hotel is prominently located and surely has seen really glamorous times, but that must have been some years ago. It still has the old-world charm and the rooms are fine. The decoration which I found in this room, was a print on cardboard of a painting depicting a boat close to a waterfall.

When I know that I will be staying in the hotel, I try to take a small selection of art supplies on the trip, but since I never know what to expect, I usually have to be inventive and work very spontaneously. And again, I only had limited time to do this, as I only stayed here one night, arriving late and leaving before breakfast. So I decided to try to keep this one simple.

Inspired by the rainbow, which I have seen earlier in the evening, and the golden frame of the deco print, I decided to once again make use of a golden felt pen, just like I did in Charkiv already. It is graphic and dries fast.

Gold seemed perfect. This beautiful old city and hotel, reminded me of glamorous, golden past eras. Yet in this time where there is a war raging in the east of the country and many young people have lost their lives, the future looks uncertain for this country and its people.

I added a square of 9 x 9 golden circles to the centre of the print. The metallic golden circles are almost invisible, when looked at from the front, but they glow beautifully when seen from an angle. I hope that this can remind us, that sometimes our reality looks bleak, but looked at from a different perspective we can find hope and beauty in every situation.

We just need to be open to find the opportunities and gifts of every situation. Just like believing in finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

And this is my wish for the Ukrainian people and in fact, for all of humanity.

The number 9 is an auspicious number. In numerology Number 9 is the number of Universal love, eternity, faith, Universal Spiritual Laws, the concept of karma, spiritual enlightenment and divine wisdom. And it is linked to the colour: gold.

Some have asked before, how I ensure to have the right materials handy. I try to take some useful things along, but am always limited by stuff like baggage allowance and the fact, that I seldom know what to expect. I try to work with what I find and what I have. And to make a plan. Here I had the vision of adding the circles, I had the right pen, but I wanted to make sure they are at an equal distance from each other and the same size.

So in the middle of the night I went down to reception and asked for a punch.

Not an easy task, since they only spoke a pretty basic English and I don’t speak a word of Ukrainian or Russian. And I do not think that many guests are requesting a punch at 11:45 at night. I took a card along, punched a row of holes into it, thanked them, and went back to my room. Now I could get started…

Getting started, with my newly created stencil.

Getting started, with my newly created stencil.

Well here is the final result of this late night hotel deco-busting intervention:

websideviewIRust

And some more pictures, just click on the images to get a larger and complete view:

Before – this is the printed artwork, before I gave it a face lift.
After – this is the print with my intervention. The golden circles are not very visible when viewed directly from the front.
A close-up view of my intervention
A little note left on the back of the artwork.
Relaxing after the work is finished.
The room and artwork with newly added glamour in the morning.
If you ever visit Kiev, make sure to stay in this room to get an extra special art treatment as a bonus.

Did you like this? You can find more similar interventions HERE.

I wish you a wonderful, hopeful and golden week ahead!

Happiness in Charkiv, Ukraine

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Happiness, Charkiv 2015

Happiness, Charkiv 2015

Creating happiness in Charkiv by adding some glamour and text.

2015 Hotel Deco Busting

Intervention Against Tasteless Wall Decorations in Hotels and Holiday Apartments. (Part 13)
Intervention gegen geschmacklose Wanddekoration in Hotelzimmern und Ferienwohnungen.

On my recent trip to the Ukraine to prepare an exhibition and workshop I have been staying in Hotel Kharkow (Charkiv) in the centre of town. I am sure this hotel has seen better times, especially the rooms, but still it was a pleasant stay.

The room’s wall decoration (I cannot call it art) was made to match the pillow cases and duvet covers. Or was it the other way around? I do not know. Anyway it was neither particularly pretty nor interesting.

With my hotel deco busting projects I try to add value, to improve on what I find and to add some original touch. I also like to do this in an unobtrusive way and hope that my additions will bring some joy and happiness to those who notice them.

The country and citizens have been through a hard time with the war happening in the eastern Ukraine, only 100km away from Charkiv. Keeping that in mind, I wanted to bring back some of the old glamour which I imagine this hotel and city had. And add a sparkle of happiness.

I found out the Ukrainian spelling of the word Happiness and added these letters to the wall decoration with a gold pen. Looking at the artwork from the front, you almost do not notice the difference, but when you look at it from an angle – for instance as you enter the room –  the golden letters glow beautifully.

Please sign up on the right side to receive updates, if you want to be informed about another  hotel deco busting works which I have done during this trip.

Please click on the images to see a larger view and read the information about them.

Original wall deco or BEFORE picture
AFTER picture from the front – one almost does not notice my intervention.
Golden Happiness – the letters of the word can be seen best from an angle
A view of the room on departure
If you ever are in Charkiv try and get this room to check out if this is still there and let me know.
Me, in front of my finished intervention

Find more similar interventions HERE.

Creative Value Adding

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ProcessDetailOMG hope you don’t vandalize hotel art…I know it’s not good. .but it serves a purpose. ..as all art does. …  A friend asked on Facebook.

Me: Nope, I am just donating my awesome creative skills to adding value to the cheap hotel deco and turning it into a unique, original piece of art.

2015 Hotel Deco Busting

Intervention Against Tasteless Wall Decorations in Hotels and Holiday Apartments. (Part 12)
Intervention gegen geschmacklose Wanddekoration in Hotelzimmern und Ferienwohnungen.

I have just returned from a business trip to the Ukraine. As my regular readers know, whenever I happen to stay at a hotel I have a special mission. I upgrade the usual bleak and cheap hotel deco, by turning it into an original piece of art. I use my time and resources to infuse the found hotel deco (I cannot really call it art) with some humour, style and creativity. So the hotel ends up with something better and more valuable.

In Kiew I found a cheap and slightly fading landscape print in my hotel room. It has been printed on canvas and framed in a solid wooden frame. I arrived late at night and had to leave early, so this piece of work was done in the early morning hours.

I like to not plan too much and rather react spontaneously to what I find. Besides this faded print, I found a complimentary sewing set from the hotel. I decided to use that and originally thought of just doing some kind of geometric shape. After a few stitches, an abstract geometric shape did not feel right and suddenly it became a house, with a shed and a dog.

The complimentary sewing set, does not offer a lot of thread, so I had to be very economical and selective with my lines and stitches. Anyway, without further ado, here are the pictures! I hope you enjoy them.

Please sign up on the right side to receive updates, if you want to be informed about another two hotel deco busting works which I have done during this trip.

Please click on the images to see a larger view and read the information about them.

The original piece as I found it (or the BEFORE picture)
Detail of the new additions
Detail of the new additions
The original and upgraded new artwork or the AFTER picture
View of the room before I left.
If you are ever in Kiev try and get this room to check out if this is still there and let me know.

Find more similar interventions HERE.

What you missed last weekend (but can still sign up for in the future)

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Yes, you missed an awesome sunny Saturday spent in the forest in a relaxed atmosphere, learning and creating together at the Land Art workshop I presented.Kreativ im Grünen

After a short introduction to the ideas and possibilities of land or nature art, we set out on the short walk to the forest. The area offers a wide variety of different backgrounds and possibilities, ideal for each to find their best mode of expression. There is a small open birch forest, a dense coniferous forest, a meadow and the Havel river…

We had time to get to know the area, the materials available and then experiment with own works. The exchange between the different members of the group brought further ideas and inspiration and lots of laughter, but also serious discussions.

“What a wonderful way to spend the day! I could feel how the stress of the week quickly left my body and I began relaxing into my surroundings. It was great to have no pressure of having to perform, but to be able to experiment and create to my hearts desire. Thank you, Imke.” Ilona.

If you would like to participate at one of our future one-day workshops, which will be presented on a monthly basis, please send me an email, so that I can keep you updated about future dates and send you all other information needed. I am also happy to create tailor-made workshops according to your wishes, for that extra special private birthday party, company outings, a fun family breakaway, etc.

Please email me at: imkerust(a)iway.na (replace the (a) with an @ when sending).

Further information about the workshops can be found HERE. (The information is only available in German at the moment, but I am happy to offer the workshops in English too. Please request the English information sheet directly from me.)

Since pictures say more than a thousand words, I will not write further and rather share some pictures of the workshop with you (click on the images for a full-view slide show):

Interacting with her artwork
Making a crop circle through rolling his body in the field
Charcoal circles on birch tree
Some works are better viewed from a ladder…
Working in a shady spot.
braiding fresh green grass
Plaited grass and flowers
Explaning and discussing ideas
Balls of grass
Taking a break
Spiral from pine cones
Philosophical world
Completed work
Helping each other
Viewing of an artwork from different positions.
Material collection
Catching the bull by its horns… after having created it from grass and wood.
Construction work
Large grass spheres made to hang in dry branches
Example of an older work
Making a circle through walking.
Discussing the works
Working in the open and sunny plain
Contemplating the next step