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Influence and Inspiration by Marlies Ihmels
These paintings are part of a series of self portraits showing the artist as a creative force in regards to influence and inspiration. Art is much more than painting pretty pictures or developing the skill to render reality accurately. Painting is a visual means to connect and to give meaning. More importantly artists have the opportunity to communicate their thoughts, feelings and visions through their creative works.
1. By Marlies Ihmels-Herget “Following the Inner Muse” oil on linen 38 x 50 inches (2006-2007)
The painting “Following the Inner Muse” is about this inner vision coming from the depth of one’s being Communication and inspiration can flow in several directions. The artist can allow to be influenced or decide not to be inspired by somebody else’s vision. In this painting any interference, idea or guidance from the outside is prevented. The large space and the many imagined people surrounding the subject are a representation of the enormous background noise facing the artist in today’s environment. The painting is about trusting in one’s own inspirations and visions to create something original and unique.
2. By Marlies Ihmels-Herget “Influenced” oil panel 16 x 20 inches (2007)
In the painting “Influenced” the artist was influenced by popular culture I was about to create a new painting and sitting before this empty canvas, when two figures on the right appeared on the scene. They seemed to be coming from nowhere. Not knowing why these two figures transpired, I turned the painting around and set it aside and waited. It took several days until I realized the connection with a previous emotional experience I had felt a month before while I was watching a movie. I obviously had forgotten about the event and here, several weeks later, those feelings appeared in the form of two figures (both male) on my canvas. I decided to paint myself into the scene with the expression of the emotions I had felt then. I kept the painterly execution crude to mimic the sadness and loneliness of the dismal mood. This painting is a wonderful example of how we are influenced by our surroundings.
Again I started painting with a fresh canvas, not having anything particular in mind. Curious about the endless possibilities this canvas was holding, three figures started to emerge in the background. The process was absolute spontaneous. As I was contemplating about the meaning, I realized the enormous potential of creativity that is set free through an inspiration. Again, I decided to paint myself as an inspiring person with all those funny thoughts and uplifting visions into this picture. I kept the details of my self portrait as spontaneous as my thoughts.
These works are speaking of the ability to influence or to be influenced, to inspire or to be inspired. Influence and inspiration are powerful energies with the potential to uplift or destroy. Artists carry the responsibility to use this power wisely, as they engage in this ever-flowing creative movement which never seems to end.
Copyright 2025 Marlies Ihmels. All rights reserved. |
