Me, basically

Brushes, pencils, and paints are as much a part of me as my hairline. Go too long without them, and I get a little grumpy and restless. Why? I honestly don’t know—it’s just always been that way! Painting is my kind of chocolate.

So, eventually, the inevitable happened: Many years ago, I turned my life upside down for art. In my early thirties, I followed my dream and studied privately at the Academy of Fine Arts in the Alte Spinnerei. To do that, I quit my longtime, secure job in marketing management (yes, with career prospects!!). Some were shocked, others were horrified—but what had to be done, simply had to be done.

During my academy years, I ventured into new directions, explored different styles (yes, even abstract painting!!!), and dabbled in all sorts of themes. But I kept returning to the things that had always excited me about painting. I just couldn’t let go: realism, illustration, flora and fauna—and yes, humor!

I probably have my childhood to thank for that. As is so often the case, a love for nature takes root early. My parents and grandparents were passionate nature lovers. We spent countless hours hiking in the Alps—long, adventurous climbs filled with wild discoveries. Those memories stick with you.

I was also fascinated by fairground painting as a child. As a true September kid and Münchner Kindl, I spent countless birthdays and afternoons at the Oktoberfest. The brightly painted rides with their thousands of lights—where I gladly spent all my birthday money—left a lasting impression, as you can probably tell from my work.

As the daughter of a Bavarian mother and an Indonesian father, I grew up in Munich with my brother Patrick in a wonderfully multicultural household.

Nestled between images of the Virgin Mary and Saint Florian—carved from wood or painted behind glass—and embroidered praying hands, there were also Indonesian Wayang puppets in all shapes and forms of Indonesian craftsmanship, and of course, Batik. From an Asian father who eventually couldn’t live without pork sausages and sauerkraut, to a Bavarian family who, at every celebration, demanded nothing but Indonesian food—these two worlds not only met but melted together, both outwardly and in my heart.

In short: whether Bavarian or Javanese, capercaillie or harimau, dirndl or sarung, dumplings or bapao—this blend has given me an open, curious spirit and a loving, sometimes mischievous view of the world.

And today?
I live peacefully just outside of Landshut, where I run wild (creatively speaking) in our shared studio—my husband Klaus Soppe and I. With the inspiring city of Landshut (my maternal grandmother’s hometown), the beautiful river Isar, and its meadows at my back, I’ve found everything I need for my work.

After many years of freelancing, I look back on a journey filled with exhibitions, public commissions, and wonderful encounters.
And if you’re still curious and want to know more of the official stuff, feel free to click over to my CV.