Petra Schott
Petra Schott is an artist based in Frankfurt, Germany
Petra Scott is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '22
Petra Schott is an abstract painter whose art revolves around states of mind, longings, and memories.
After completing her studies in Fine Art at the Art Academy in Kassel in 1982, she dedicated herself to making art and has, since then, attracted the attention of national and international galleries, art critics, and collectors.
Highly influenced by the works of Cy Twombly, Leiko Ikemura, Joan Mitchell, Marlène Dumas, Elisabeth Cummings, and Henri Matisse, the artist’s work is emotionally charged and in direct dialogue with the viewer who is invited into an open space for expression.
Whilst in her works, Schott delicately creates colourful representations of nostalgia, freedom and human relationships, she also explores nature and an intangible realm in which human figures with abstract facial expressions are loosely outlined.
In her work, she weaves personal and collective memories into shapes, marks and lines found in her everyday life, creating an abstract language of painting.
Isabella Schields
Curator
“The evocative and often delicate relationship Schott’s work has to memory is beautifully rendered in these accomplished and elegant paintings.”
ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.
How did you get started as an artist?
At some point in my life, I remembered a fried had given me aquarelle colours as a gift. I took them out and started painting what I saw around me, my window, the sight, my desk, a chair. And then, the more I did it, the more I liked to go on, so that finally I decided to study fine art.
How would you describe your artistic approach?
My approach to making art is very simple: I just start painting! Very often I am drawn to a specific colour and a specific canvas and size. I don't think very long before and I don't have a plan usually- and if I have, the plan is more often than not overturned by what I see on the canvas. I try to follow what I think the painting wants and needs. So I let the ideas come towards me while painting and don't try to force a preconceived idea upon my canvas. Sometimes I feel that I have a theme, which might stay with me for several paintings - so a series is born. But the theme then is very broad, like summer mood or all ideas that come to my mind when I think a bout mediterranean culture and landscapes.
Petra working on a project
And how about what inspires you?
I am inspired by other artists, my everyday life, poetry and literature, nature, feelings, music and talks with others. My inspiration is manifold - and often it also comes directly from painting: I complete one painting and start a new one with the idea to go into a slightly different direction this time... very often, as I said before, my ideas melt away then in the process again.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?
The biggest challenges for me are to be patient when I know a painting has to dry and I will not be able to continue for days. I love oil colours, but the drying time is a challenge for me. Another challenge is to save enough time for painting and being in my studio - because there is also this other part of my work, namely filing applications, filing my artwork, organising and updating everything, which is not what I love most but which is necessary of course!
Petra’s studio
Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.
Normally I start my day with answering requests and all other administrative work related to my art work. Then I leave for my studio by bike and spend the rest of the day there. I love to listen to music while painting. Before I really start painting, I take a deeper look at works completed or started in the days before - waiting for the impulse to go on with one specific painting or with an urge to start a new canvas. And then I can really loose myself in painting and often forget the time.
Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?
For me there is still a lot to explore. Printing for instance I have only rudimentarily explored. But I feel that for the moment I am happy with basically using oil colours.
Aga Paulina Młyńczak
Curator
“The compositions bear an endless quality that makes you want to look closer and longer, and then more. We applaud Shott’s ability to create work that inspires consistently engaging viewing experiences by simply using colour and gesture, which in her visual universe do not seem like a limited vocabulary at all.”
What are you currently working on? Or an upcoming project you want to mention?
I am currently working on my series 'Summer talk' and I think there are still one or two art works coming to life in this series. And then I will see...
How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?
It feels just great!!!! I am so excited and honoured to be an Artconnect Artist to Watch! Thanks very much for having chosen my work!
Nell Cardozo
Curator
“There is a generous intimacy in Schott’s use of colour that coaxes out a subtle interplay between comfort and longing. Looking into them is like looking into a dream that belongs to some common consciousness. A very deliberate and gorgeous set of works.”
