by John Bloner, Jr.
Kenosha artist Brigitta Richter isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. She has a gardener’s instincts for nurturing nature’s energy and colors—russet, ochre, coral and moss, to name a few—in her work as well as a desire to better explore lines, shapes and textures by putting aside a brush or knife in favor of the tactile delights delivered by fingers on clay, paper or other materials.
Her work is calming in the way a forest or river is calming. It also wears a rich patina, like a secret held close for centuries, but finally revealed to help heal mankind.
Born and raised in Germany, Brigitta first arrived in the United States in 1989 when she worked as an au pair in northern Illinois. There, she met her future husband, an Antioch native. Since then, they have lived in many places here and abroad, making Kenosha their home several years ago. They have two children.
Did you draw or paint when you were growing up?
How did you get started?
When people said to me, Oh, I like this! I want one of those, I painted more and more and had fun with it.
What inspires you to create?
Where do you create your artwork?
For oil painting, I work on an easel. For other work, I’m at a table. Pastels need a flat surface, so I can spread them out with my hands. I use a calligraphy pen to apply ink in very fine lines.
Are there any artists that influence you?
Have you had any mentors?
Gerhard (Kroll) left Germany in World War II. He’s now in his mid-70s. He has inspired me with his stories: unbelievable, moving stories about what he had to live through. He was not judgmental and never tried to teach me any certain way.
When did you start working with mixed media?
Why aren’t more people getting involved in the arts, creating paintings and making music?
You may learn a great technique, but if you’re not taught what it can do for you on the inside then you’re not going to continue, and you’re not going to benefit from it either.
Why does an artist make art? The answer is the same for why a golfer plays golf: because it completely relaxes you. There’s no time, no stress. Everything else is gone. When you have that connection, then you have oneness. You’re not afraid of being judged. You’re in a different space, which is so wonderful.
Do you have any advice to aspiring artists?
Brigitta Richter you have been “Exposed”.
Brigitta’s work has been shown in area galleries and businesses, most recently at the Pollard Gallery, 514 54th Street. It is also on display at Equinox The Body & Soul Boutique, 5901 6th Avenue, where she works. She teaches classes at the Kenosha Art Association, 5615 7th Avenue. Her Web site is http://wunderbarart.com.
John Bloner, Jr. resides in Kenosha, Wisconsin with his wife, Roberta, and daughter, Annie. He has spent almost the last two decades in City Hall, and half a century in his own shoes. His shoe size is 13.
2 comments ↓
Gitta is a substantial and genuine Lady.
She paints what she feels, and in her art, she shares herself as well as her talent.
Joe
Brigitta, Just read your delightfull story and what a great group of art on your web page. I love all your colors. I have heard grand reveiws on the class you are teaching now at KAA.
Keep up the great work…thanks…SWEDE..Carolyn
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