MUNTHE ART MONDAY: SASCHA BROEN KAMPFF

Instagram: @kampffstudio

Please introduce yourself and tell us about what you do.

My name is Sascha and I’m originally from Aarhus, but I have been living in Vejle for the past two years with my husband. I’m 29 years old, and for the last 9 years, I worked as a bookkeeper in the marketing agency industry until one year ago. Due to some mental issues, I choose to reconnect with art and embrace my creative side, which had been hidden for too long. I then realised that art was a very therapeutic and healing part of my journey, and I was therefore drawn toward following my dreams about being an artist, which now is the path I’m on.

Could you explain more about how being a woman has affected your career?

I’ve always been strongly inspired by women, who is not afraid of showing who they are and doesn’t let anyone else define or affect them. I think that we as women, have a common language where warmth, caring and empathy prevail, and besides from being drawn to this, I also feel that it is what I express through my art, conveying uplifting energy and connection, which fuel my dreams and ambitions. I’m sure this would be very different if I were a man, where I don’t think the same gentleness would have existed.

Can you name some other female (artist) that inspires you and explain why they do so?

I’ve always admired Cecily Brown and her magical works of art. I also find her dedication very inspiring and life-affirming, because of her strong purpose in life which she works hard for. Recently, I discovered Isobel Harvey, whom I absolutely love. I’m also drawn to Enikő Katalin Eged and her art inspired by tarot cards and creatures.

What has been the most challenging aspect of being a female artist?

I haven’t faced any challenges specifically related to my gender as a female artist. However, pursuing a full-time career as an independent artist has raised some eyebrows and garnered some uncomprehending looks. If this is because of a male dominated world or if it’s the title itself, I don’t know.

I have thought about increasing my family and about balancing family life with being an artist and how this scenario might look. Fortunately, I often perceive opportunities rather than limitations, as overcoming challenges can be very motivating. For me challenges have, among the years, turned into something positive, more than negative, because though it can make you stumble, it can also make you think outside the box and lead to personal growth.

What would you like people to notice in your artwork?

I put a lot of emotion and depth in every painting I create. Sometimes it starts with an idea but without any further feeling, and sometimes the other way around. But as soon as the process really begins, I turn into a big jumble of emotions. When I paint, I experience a wide range of emotions, such as sadness, happiness, loneliness, feeling lost, gratitude, or completeness. I hope my art reflects alle kind of feelings and I hope people interpret my art freely without being influenced by predefined labels. That also why I make faceless characters – I hope this allows people to connect with their own feelings while viewing my art. Some people look at my art and feel sad, while other feels happiness. I hope people see exactly what they want to see and by themselves choose what the art can do for them.

Sascha is wearing our EXEPT jacket, EVALICA jeans and EARTHY dress.