What follows is a slightly longer text, but it tells something about me, gives insight into my turn to art, so how it all began.
What is written is only a small explanation, and I think that is enough for now, but what you read hopefully gives an insight into my little journey, from which you can see how my passion for art began, how it all started, so to speak. First of all, it is important to know that it was not only religions that opened my eyes, or spirituality, but also later - with further occupation of other subject areas - the subsequent criticism of religion, philosophy in general, as well as at the same time the scientific disciplines or borderline phenomena known to us.
How did I get into art in the first place, and how or where did it start, specifically asked: How did it start? Could one dismiss the question lightly, even simplistically explain that it simply happened through certain circumstances? Well, such an explanation is not really an adequate answer and seems downright "defiant". It would therefore be more appropriate, according to my idea and thought, to tell something about myself and the influences behind it. In my opinion, this would be best because it would simultaneously give me more "insight" into the ideas, from me and into these creative spurts. Telling something about me - telling about me, opening up a bit. There's no better way to get to know me.
If you look closely first, you will get the impression that it is interwoven with Hans-Rudi Giger when seen in the light, both in approach and vis-à-vis my previous artistic orientation and the style associated with it. Such an impression could possibly arise if one knows the well-known artist from Switzerland (note: HR-Giger unfortunately died in 2014) Moreover, the explanation given before would be far too terse. Therefore, additional explanations are necessary. First of all, I wanted to make clear that my art, the style, the whole of what I have created is subject to various influences; nevertheless, it contains something of its own and is 'similar' to that of Giger, but independent and concretely wants to connect something with something of the outside world, something of our inner being. That is my subliminal statement; at least that is what my current status quo implies in relation to my art. It is not, by the way, as some think and assume.... precise/planned down to the smallest detail. I can deny that.
I came into contact with HR Giger and his artistic work rather by chance in 2007. It began when a friend of mine, with whom I am still friends today, invited me to a pottery course at the VHS Osnabrück. What I didn't know was that a friend of hers was surprisingly also there and brought her boyfriend at the time and we got to know each other. Later, after the course, the four of us sat in a café and had a nice conversation. In the context of art, he told me about this HR Giger, who was unknown to me, and other artists (his focus being on Giger).
I was "excited", curious and ... I should add, addressed in some way.
We met again and talked eagerly about Giger, the background that was so new to me, which was related to it, and what he had contributed, especially as a scientist - for he was a biologist - to the subject of art in particular and to aspects of this very subject. His explanations were all enlightening in this respect, although he himself did not paint or do anything else in this direction. He lent me two books to "browse" and get to know this "fantastic" artist; he also gave me new tips and advice. One of them was to attend a painting course with a retired teacher he knew personally. I complied. And the very educated and eloquent woman, I must add for the sake of honesty, taught me practical things about watercolour paints, other pens like Polchrom, and in addition there were the exciting conversations we both had in the evenings. Almost like lessons. She gave me a lot to take with me on my way - I am grateful for that. It spurred me on to find out more about the whole thing. So I asked her where I could get and buy material. Then I went out and stocked up on material first. A good decision that I have not regretted to this day. It was the starting signal that gave me inner wings.
I taught myself everything. Yes, there are influences, that is clear and undisputed, but basically I am and remain self-taught! Whereas since 2007/2008 I have continuously attended other courses and workshops that have helped me to broaden my artistic horizons.
That was the starting point.
Before that, I already painted churches in primary school and also experimented a lot with other materials - wood, for example - and tried out a few things, such as: engravings in pieces of wood were part of it, self-made angles, embroideries as well as other decorations. Detailed and small-scale, as outsiders like to say about my art practice, showed its forms early on.
The pottery course and the subsequent experience were an important milestone for my art. It triggered many thought processes and set reflections in motion. In the process, my previous experience and knowledge were also upgraded and refined, and I have remained faithful to this art form to this day. An integrated confidence and special optimism are indispensable and downright essential in artistic orientation. In addition, I had valuable encounters and groundbreaking conversations. The same applies to my childhood memories, where what I experienced, influences from my parents and the past all contribute in equal measure to the present reality. My daughter motivates and inspires me permanently, which should be self-explanatory if you know my role as a father.
Particularly influential were and still are fictional visions of the future, narratives in context and events from Star Trek (a well-executed series) such as the Borg, organic-hybrid creatures that are humanoid, or the ominous god-like being called Q. Even if such topics are more philosophical suggestions, I still find them thought-provoking in an interesting way. I express myself accordingly to formulate my thoughts.
In relation to art and its exploration, I found my way to the experimental sciences. In addition, I occupied myself with theological questions and religious literature, which inspired me to new thoughts and ideas. In particular, I read many works by Hans Küng and later by Prof. Hubertus Mynarek (former dean of the University of Vienna). At the beginning of my artistic career I was a Christian; therefore I refer to religious literature.
However, there were drastic events.
The film "Avatar", which I had originally seen and experienced intensively in 2012, had an enlightening effect. This led to further, profound questions: What led the filmmakers and the team to make connections with early cultures? Where are the similarities and what is philosophically rehashed in the film? Many questions remain open. Somehow and for whatever reason, something specific interested me enormously, which was not entirely due to the film or familiar figures, but to a so-called trigger. Comparable to what gripped me in the series "L-WORLD", it stimulated thought and research and led me to Indian culture and the famous Vedas.
It is important to focus on objectivity, intelligibility, conventional structure, clear, objective language, format, formal register, structure, balance, precise word choice and grammatical correctness in academic language. The book "The Secret of Avatars" by Jeffrey Armstrong, published by Scorpio, helped me to break down and better recognise some of these principles. The book "The Secret of Avatars" by Jeffrey Armstrong published by Scorpio has helped me to break down and better recognise some of these principles.
Regarding the literature of the Vedas and Indian religiosity, I have studied some extensively and gained the relevant knowledge in the jungle of vast and magnificent literature. It is amazing how much of it has been preserved and handed down. I found Tantrism and Shaktism particularly exciting. A largely unknown religious or spiritual teaching in the West emphasises that actions should be practical tools in everyday life.
This testimony underlines that. While rituals and ceremonies are a possibility, they are not "detached" or meant to be performed alone for prayer or rest. The realistic goal remains to enjoy togetherness - to merge, celebrate, intensify and build on each other. The Asian, or more precisely Chinese, Japanese and Korean cultural heritage has left its mark on me. I cannot describe the specifics and differences exactly, but it is possibly because it is different and in contrast to what we know from the Christian cultural sphere. The djinn mentioned in the Koran as an example had a similar effect on me as the literature described. Interestingly, this stimulated my imagination, which grew continuously.
Topic by Erich von Däniken: It should not go unmentioned that the topic by Erich von Däniken had a great influence.
By the way, I have already met him at some congresses of the Ancient Astronaut Society. The topics he works on are exciting because of his novel view of past events. It was hardly reported before, and at the same time he was innovative.
His conclusion is extremely convincing, as he has argued consistently and uniformly in interviews, books and lectures. The man is definitely taken by his convictions. Regardless of whether we are sceptical or accept his arguments as true. His judgement can, on the whole, be considered unbiased, but it should be noted that subjective evaluations must be clearly marked. The history of religion does not appear to have been exactly as claimed in scriptures, traditions or dogmas.
Even though it is important to be critical and to differentiate in everything, it remains to be said that some things have stuck with me and may have subtly influenced me. However, it is also true that the way someone speaks, lectures or proceeds - namely not allowing oneself to be bent - has had an effect on me. For the objective consideration of truth in the context of religious teachings (with fullest respect), caution should always be exercised. For regardless of the authority of the preacher, it remains unclear what the actual truth or reality is like, how it manifests and constitutes itself. Such knowledge would certainly be tremendously difficult to attain. Assertions without a valid basis are questionable and could be misleading. It would be fitting to exercise caution and adopt a sceptical attitude.
(small digression)
If one already assumes metaphysics, one can state beyond doubt that there is evidence that even has an empirical character and indicates that the world as we perceive it does not exist. It is a blatant fallacy to believe, or even think, that natural science proves truth or reality. With all due respect, this is nonsensical. Intuition gives us insights and ramifications. Similarly, according to findings from quantum physics, indirect evidence indicates that there is no resolution. A more precise concretisation and representation is complex and difficult to explain. Although we perceive all this, it is incorrect. The world does not only consist of atoms or gravitons (whose existence is not confirmed), quarks or the Higgs particle, which gives every particle its mass. This insight can be gained by studying physics as well as alternative approaches in this direction.
What we humans really know about the true dimension of being remains unknowable, except that it is palpable in the heart. What we humans really know about the true dimension of being remains unknowable, except that it is possibly palpable in the heart. God hides where goodness is realised. Man is by nature suited for the life of billions of tiny creatures on him proverbially. What human beings are good for is simple: it is the sense, the feeling, the depth of being, the ramifications, stimuli, the sensing, recognising and maturing in the spirit, as well as the subtle perception of the invisible signals around us. What man is, then, can be irredeemably described as a metaphysical individual.
In relation to Mr. Däniken, I was fascinated a posteriori by the preoccupation with the ancestors, that is, the culture before us. This involved palaeontological views and scientific narratives, especially those discovered through excavation and subsequently placed within the scientific knowledge base and taxonomy. Subjective assessments were omitted unless they were labelled as such.
I can recommend the following about Mr Däniken: https://www.sagenhaftezeiten.com/
The radio programme "CropFm", where border phenomena are discussed, did the rest. Everything there can be downloaded and listened to for free. The link to it: https://cropfm.at/frontpage
It is significant to briefly list the following everyday phenomena and mysteries of life, which I categorise as near-death experiences; parapsychological phenomena such as ASW = extrasensory perception, telepathy, psychokinesis, precognition, clairvoyance, remote viewing as well as synchronicity. The main focus is on the whole subject of noetics.
Questions concerning our nature, our abilities and characteristics - both positive and negative - as well as the history of our planet's origin and our comprehensive origins, including the time of the spark of life, evolution and all that happened 3.5 billion years ago, are, in my opinion, significant. The place we occupy in this universe - where we live and currently reside - as well as other possibly existing worlds, in which in turn other entities could live, are fascinating. A wide variety of theories and ideas, whether absurd or trivial, can arise. I am primarily interested in the background of your considerations. Would like to know if it is a reality that people inexplicably disappear in national parks in the United States (also known as the phenomenon of Missing 411), as well as Loch Ness interference. There are numerous reports on this subject, not only in America. To gain further insight, I recommend the following sites.
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https://ufoscriptorium.blogspot.com/
https://www.nexus-magazin.de/artikel/lesen/missing-411-das-phaenomen-der-mysterioesen-vermisstenfaelle
https://www.grenzwissenschaft-aktuell.de/
(- Abbr.: all three links are trustworthy and highly recommended, at least as information; so then for all those who have no knowledge in this respect).
In the course of time I criticised more and more the existing religions, especially the monotheistic ones, after I had dealt more intensively with Erich von Däniken and the so-called pre-astronautics. Through my involvement with the criticism of religion, I then came into contact with various prominent personalities, especially Richard Dawkins, who also viewed the known religions sceptically and provided some valuable impulses. As a result, I changed my views and became an atheist, but only with regard to the existing religions. Otherwise, I remain an agnostic.
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Philosophy:
The preoccupation with philosophy can appear aloof to the outside world and give a correspondingly strange impression. At least that is my feeling when something is mentioned or discussed because of the subject matter. The whole thing is sometimes judged pejoratively and discredited, since subjective evaluations should be excluded unless they are clearly marked. In my opinion, the displeasure could be due to the fact that the idealistic subject area does not seem to make sense. Although various topics are dealt with here, they are of little relevance and hardly applicable for practical use in everyday life.
To better understand academic logic, it is enough to study new reference books and familiarise oneself with all their mathematical number games, case studies, formulae and abbreviations as well as technical terms. This may well reveal incomprehensible ideas and systematics that have little to do with exciting and pure philosophy of thought. - Nevertheless, they are important and useful for academic research. In everyday life, on the other hand, they are less relevant. Of course, there are various schools of thought and approaches that can help to provide clarity. However, even these are not always easy to understand. Philosophy should take an emphatic stand without being aloof and inaccessible. It is important that discussions and debates also take place outside abstract ivory towers so that lay people can also participate.
Philosophy, for me at least, acts as an important guide to issues of ethics, morality, attitudes to life and other significant aspects that define us and are important. One quickly recognises its importance through engagement with theological and sociobiological issues, as both fields are complex.
Philosophy fulfils an important mission when it is practically oriented and includes progressive approaches. In doing so, it should be less heavy-handed and materialistically oriented. A concrete example of this is the useful vision it has given me - whether it is linguistics, philosophy of mind (mind-body problem), analytical philosophy or other aspects. My self-confidence has been strengthened and I have gained maturity. Things and ideas now seem clearer and more logical. Even though complexity appears at times, it still helped me to sharpen my thinking. I was able to clarify everything for myself more specifically and quickly, especially in a comprehensive analysis.
It has given me a stable footing in philosophy, especially in terms of specific and reasonable reasoning. There is no protracted reductionist way of thinking that rejects everything just because it doesn't agree with their worldview. Reductionism is acceptable in natural science because it is applied despite individual worldviews, but these should be disregarded when drawing possible conclusions. The phenomenon occurs everywhere, especially where people believe they know everything but reject anything that does not agree with it because of their own worldviews. This is particularly common in materialistic circles.
- Science is characterised by investigation of all aspects without using subjective evaluations. -
A good tool, so to speak (Regine Kather, Armin Risi or Hans Dieter Mutschler should be mentioned). By the way, it should be mentioned that I came into direct contact with ancient Egypt through the Swiss philosopher Armin Risi in 2009. Art, history and culture continue to shape my artistic creative phase.
Dr. Rupert Sheldrake (well-known English biologist).
The man has also inspired me and stimulated me to think further. His lectures and interviews on platforms like YouTube and Spotify are very instructive. In my subjective opinion, Mr. Sheldrake is extremely resilient and doesn't let things get him down easily. Well, here's what stands out about this: since the beginning of his career, he has been convinced of the rightness of his actions and has always defended his convictions in lectures, books and interviews without contradicting himself. This consistency is remarkable and convincing, regardless of what others may think of the truth of his statements.
Now, quite frankly and explicitly, if someone makes statements over a long period of time, constantly repeating certain narratives, facing and tolerating any criticism, then he is predestined to be credible.
It is reasonable and serious to do so, as credibility is an important commodity these days and it is difficult to believe or trust people, especially without concrete evidence.
Of course, his theories can be critically evaluated. So there is a lack of factual presence; one should have concrete evidence to show. For every theory - no matter how absurd it seems - must be continually tested by so-called repeatability and not accepted in advance. It is therefore necessary to be and remain vigilant. A theory - especially if it is multifaceted - stands and falls on the basis of said verifications. Is it true or simply nonsense?
Clarification is an important prerequisite and the criterion accordingly essential. This also applies to known falsifications, which are by no means to be discarded. Beforehand, however, it should be clarified in what way possibilities of establishing the truth exist.
The very question of the existence of evidence to be subjected to verification is quite complex. Therefore, verification tests are applied to identify approaches, hints and evidence.
What does Mr Sheldrake have to do with this?
Such tests have already been conducted and extensive data, findings and reports have been collected over several years. There are a large number of listed interviews with subjects, involving interesting and revealing cases, which in turn provide clues to other realities.
Preferably at least, the world is normal: no other worlds are located somewhere in an alien parallel universe and are completely detached from us and our experiences. Much more and far better is the almost "trivial" observation that what some people "experience" in terms of phenomena is a very simple thing. No abstract metaphysics, far away and mysterious, but reality exists directly among us. All we need is a different way of looking at nature - an idea that sees thoughts as reservoirs and stores. One could even say: nature absorbs and stores our thoughts. Everything is there.
(here you can learn something from Dr. Sheldrake - https://www.sheldrake.org/deutsch)
A concrete example, which fits Mr Sheldrake:
Richard Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist, had a conversation with Rupert Sheldrake. But when Mr Sheldrake proposed to debate him publicly about parapsychology in general and phenomena - which would be broadcast live - Dawkins firmly refused. Astonishing, because according to Dawkins' own statements, he simply did not have the time to deal with the data sets in order to debate them. In particular, he had no idea about the subject. It was too much, inappropriate and unhelpful, he added. The real problem is that while said gentleman is well aware that data, facts, phenomena and evidence exist, he publicly denies their existence. This is because he insists that the pillars of "sacred" materialism must remain ironclad. Daniel Dennett, an American philosopher who calls himself a godless man, also refused to debate with Mr Sheldrake about his research and findings, which he has collected over decades. It is confusing, isn't it?
What else is there:
These include, for example, the Transformers film series about robot cars, LOST and The X-Files with the exciting stories about Scully and Mulder, as well as the outstanding soundtracks by Hans Zimmer and Alan Silvestri.
I was also positively touched by the Dr Quinn series, set in the West around 1850, which awakened my passion for this genre. One might think "Why this thing?", "Where does this come from?" or "Why this one in particular?" Some things cannot be immediately explained or rationalised. Regarding Dr. Quinn, one could say that she embodies a practical idealism, never gives up, and in combination with her boyfriend Sully, presents believable and genuine love. Her portrayal of sacrifice for the Indians is also excellent. In terms of a specific film, the whole series, at least the first part, accompanies me.
Jeepers Creepers as well as the Alien series, the Prometheus film from 2012 and Covenant 2017 are films that appeal to me. In relation to the Creeper, I would like to emphasise that, together with the wonderful soundtrack, it creates a certain mood, but one that cannot be ultimately defined. The strange creature implies a specific form and orientation of a mystery - similar to a phenomenon. In the film itself, it is not explained where the monster comes from. That is the only thing that is certain. It remains indeterminate and nebulous, yet it held a special appeal for me.
Art History:
I am less knowledgeable in this area and have not yet dealt with it extensively. I am not an expert or a connoisseur. Recently, however, I have been fascinated by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Salvador Dalí. These three names speak to me the most and their art appeals to me in a certain way. However, it could be because of their approach to art, design and the essence of art. As for my art, I want to do exactly what my inner being and character "really" want. This requires a clear alignment with how I view the world we live and move in. Manifestation. In everything I draw and finish, things and symbols are processed. There are no boundaries, as everything is connected - similar to DNA, which serves as a kind of antenna. If you look at nature around us, you notice that it repeats forms. In order not to lose the analogy, this should be mentioned.
Think of complex neuronal fibres like dendrites and their branches or myelin sheaths and axions in the brain and then of simple leaves, branches, trees or your hands as atavisms of the past.
By boundaries I do not mean the boundaries of a nation state (if any), but the boundaries of our selves, which are not fixed. These do not exist, nor should they. To set boundaries is to turn away, to be unclear and to be foolish. We need hope, cohesion and daring. I am irrefutably metaphysically influenced despite my agnosticism and do not exclude myself. Why be a joke and a caricature? We all hope for a "more" and "permanence". Art can be an expression of the true self and represent something that is not located in the present.
What does all this have to do with my own art?
I have spent a long time looking into scientific details, reading a lot and collecting studies and evolutionary-biological theories on the subject - pros and cons. In addition, there are various theories. I am also familiar with the challenges of physics; all its curiosities and futilities as far as we are concerned. At least we think we know what we know about the natural sciences. Understanding quantum mechanics is a complex affair where unknown realities can emerge. Art can be a clue to the impulse of life, which is what I call it. But in doing so, we should not forget the senses and collectively acknowledge the brutal nature of this world. However, we must be careful not to project ourselves or question our techniques of knowledge. Our reason, with which we are endowed, remains and allows us to move consciously and spiritually empowered. Interestingly, one can also perceive the melody of one's own body and allow intuition.
Small abbreviation.
Psi: The letter P in the Greek alphabet and the first letter of the word psyche, meaning spirit or soul. Refers to clairvoyance, precognition, telepathy and psychokinetics. Psi is not an acronym and is therefore not written in capital letters
Psychic phenomena: Obsolete, rarely used term for the scientific study of a psycho-phenomenon.
Psychokinesis: Influencing of matter by the mind without the aid of known forces. Abbreviated PK
Remote Viewing: Also remote perception. Euphemism for clairvoyance, sometimes associated with special training.
Clairvoyance: The ability to obtain information about hidden and distant objects without the use of the normal senses and unrestricted by usual limits of space and time.
Precognition: A form of clairvoyance in which the object of perception is remote in time.
RNG from the English "random number generator" - an electronic circuit for generating sequences of truly random bits, zeros and ones, based on a source of random events) Used in the study of psychokinesis on a small scale.
For those interested in noetics, see the following link for more details:
(https://noetic.org/profile/dean-radin-2/)
Telepathy: mind-to-mind communication, not mind reading.
The short list is only intended as an informative presentation. There are certain points that I think should be examined more closely. I am by no means claiming that anything happens beyond doubt or takes place in every time and place. However, it seems to me that the existence of the whole subject matter is fascinating in itself and it raises fundamental questions. There seem to be anomalies in space and time that occur probabilistically. For a short time they can produce an effect or possibly be connected with each other and thus have a form of random character. This finding speaks against a one-sided materialistic view of the world.