Antje Wauer

Year of birth: 1984
Where do you live: Metropolitain Region of Berlin-Brandenburg
Your education: I have a Masters Degree in Design from the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in Dessau
Describe your art in three words: immersive, sparks the imagination
Your discipline: Drawing
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Can you tell us more about your journey from studying economics to pursuing a full-time career in art?

I’ve always been interested in art. But I grew up in an environment where art wasn’t considered a profession. People went into sales, cosmetics or construction. When I showed what I could do, it was considered a hobby. So, at 16 years old, I started an apprenticeship in economics. I did well enough and worked in the field for about three years. While working, I started doing more creative things, like creating brochures and marketing materials. I realised then, that there were creative professions and I started pursuing them. I took my A-levels, did an apprenticeship in Graphics and Communication and studied Design. After that, I worked in Agencies doing Graphic and Web Design. I could finally use my creative energy and drive. But it was not fulfilling. I missed my drawing pad, my pencils, inks and everything else. I missed the conflict with myself when a drawing was becoming. When everything is possible but so hard to achieve. While working for clients I had neither the time nor the energy to draw or create freely. Everything I did was with a clear goal and purpose in mind, often with set colours and shapes and many opinions floating around. So, in 2023, I decided to go solo for real. I’ve tried a few times before, but this time was different. There was no way back. I was finally ready. I needed to become an artist.

What inspired you to take the leap and quit your job in 2023 to focus solely on your art?

Sadly it was less inspiration and more necessity. I was burning out. I wasn’t well where I was and didn’t feel appreciated in my work. I had to make a change.

Who or what has been your biggest influence in your artistic career?

I get inspired by all kinds of things. People, shapes, forms, a walk in the woods or even a random picture on the internet. What has influenced my artistic journey though, are a few big things. 

One: The old masters. How they use light and shadow, and how they tell a story through objects and symbols.

Two: Textures and patterns. I see them everywhere and they fascinate me. Ever since I was little I liked that they were everywhere, but no one actively noticed them. Yet they carry so much information.

Three: The art of my adolescence. I grew up with Edward Scissorhands, The Adams Family and Buffy – the Vampire Slayer. Those movies and series have influenced my perception of beauty a lot.

Can you describe the feeling you get when you create art compared to when you were working in an agency?

Yes. Pure joy. I love creating art. And I love that I am less dependent on what other people might think. Don’t get me wrong. Of course, I want my art to resonate with people, spark a conversation or even just be enjoyed for what it is. But while creating a piece, I am with myself and my inner world. I might let information in and consider different angles for certain topics, but it is a choice. I don’t have to consider specific things. And that is very liberating and makes the art better.

Why do you choose to work primarily with black markers without corrective media?

The markers are the most natural to me. I’ve tried different mediums, including acrylic, oil, ink and watercolour, as well as stencils and collage. But markers for me work best. They give a sense of finality. You have to think about what you want to do and then go with it. You cannot easily paint over it. And mistakes happen. But that is ok as well. You learn how to make them work. And maybe the mistake becomes the key element of my drawing. In that way I like chance.

Do you have a favorite piece among your works? If so, what makes it special to you?

Definitely. It is actually the one that most people around me have commented on. I wanted to show a woman in water, and the piece is called “Underwater”, but people often don’t see the water. The piece is just black and white, made up of lines, patterns and shapes. Quite abstract, but for me it sparked a poem and opened up a whole world of possibilities. I love it.

Are there any new mediums or techniques you are interested in exploring?

Besides different markers and inks, I’ve been going back to watercolour for a few pieces. It is nice to have some colour in my work once in a while. 🙂