Ulla Scheinemann
Aarhus, Denmark
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How would you describe your work?
Describing paintings is challenging because there are so many layers to consider beyond obvious categories like portrait, landscape, still life, or abstraction. To me, painting is like a secret language that can speak to people subconsciously and transform their perspective on life. I’m currently exploring a dialogue between the metaphysical and the physical landscapes—perhaps a connection between an internal and external world. My work is both concrete and figurative. For example, I find the reflection of trees in a lake intriguing because it mirrors my own reflections on life. Occasionally, I include figures in my paintings, which may represent the experiences we face in life—basic yet profound themes like loneliness, suffering, or the search for meaning. Painting, for me, is about revealing both the beautiful and the complex.
What inspires you?
I’m deeply inspired by poetry, lyrics, and music. Words and phrases often spark ideas for my paintings and fuel my creative drive. Life itself is a constant source of inspiration. I consider myself quite sensitive, open to all kinds of impressions. The way light changes throughout the day, how it alters colors and transforms a landscape—especially during twilight—fascinates me. Sometimes, I become particularly absorbed in specific themes. For instance, the forest, which is often seen as a heavy metaphor, also offers the potential for renewal.
Can you talk about your process?
I’m always thinking about my work—almost subconsciously. I approach painting with a combination of curiosity and what might be considered an obsession with images. My process involves constantly taking photos and filling my laptop with references. I use these images for sketches and compositions, combining them to form the foundation of a painting. I paint quickly, but I try to slow myself down enough to fully involve my soul in the work, using an intuitive approach to decide the next steps to express what I want. Throughout, I’m driven by a desire to experiment—whether with new color combinations or innovative ways of expressing ideas. Of course, part of the process involves making mistakes and assessing whether the painting communicates what I want it to. I often ask myself if the choices I make truly align with the feeling of the painting. Above all, I want the paintings I create to be honest and true to my vision of art.
How did you become interested in art?
I didn’t grow up with much exposure to art. It wasn’t until later in life that others encouraged me to explore it seriously. As a child, I was always drawing—at school and at home—but I never thought of it as “art.” It was simply something I did. Only much later did I begin to see it as a path worth pursuing.
Do you have any favorite artists, movies, books, or quotes?
I often return to the works of other artists for inspiration. I find myself inspired by many different artists, not necessarily because they are reflected in my own work, but because they provoke thought in unique ways. Tracy Emin, for example, is remarkable for using the right words and paint to tell a story, incorporating her own life and body into her work. I also admire Georgia O’Keeffe for creating paintings that break boundaries, blending classical and modern elements in a beautiful and innovative way. I love the Nordic tones and melancholia in Edvard Munch’s work, the beauty and abstraction in Giorgio Morandi’s still lifes, and a variety of contemporary painters.
Right now, I’m particularly fascinated by the period when Impressionist painters were influenced by Japanese printmakers from the Edo period. I admire many Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters but also draw inspiration from artists across different periods. I believe we’re all shaped by our own time and unique perspectives. Recently, I’ve embraced the freedom of not adhering strictly to one style. I see myself as curious and open to eclectic influences while staying true to my artistic vision.
What advice do you have for younger artists?
Be an artist if that’s who you are. The world needs art.
