From music to sculptural/sculptural design – how did this development come about?

Before I devoted myself professionally to painting and sculpture, I worked for around 35 years as a music teacher and pianist at the cantonal schools in Aarau, Enge, Freudenberg and Bülach. For me, music and art belong together and I have always loved painting, but unfortunately I had far too little time. Retirement offered me a great opportunity to finally devote myself to artistic and sculptural design. I was finally able to attend painting courses. Music always took a back seat. I had to do something with my hands so that something would stay with me later.

How would you describe your own style?

Despite the late start, I developed my own personal style. Painting/drawing became my purpose in life, experimenting and trying out a wide variety of materials became a great joy. My paintings are not copies of nature, but inner images that create space for themselves. The scent of flowers, the music of the earth, the wind in the trees, amazement and dreams also flow into my pictures.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Nature and my garden are my inspiration. But music also provides me with inspiration – music and colors are very closely related. They flow into each other.

Painting or sculpture – what is your strength, your preference?

I love both – actually there is no pure preference here. I still paint and work on new sculptures, preferably in plaster or cement. When I’m not working artistically, you can find me in my rose garden – I still do everything myself, with great dedication.

Have you sold your art several times for a good cause? Why?

I will be 83 at the beginning of May and I said to myself three years ago: what will I do with all these pictures when I am no longer around? Back then I organized a picture exchange for the Lighthouse Zurich – it was a great success. Encouraged by this, I wanted to use this opportunity again to do something good and meaningful with my art.

What prompted you to realize a picture exchange for the Flamingo Children’s Hospice?

Since I have received so much encouragement, motivation and support from the Dübendorf church, from Pastor Benjamin Wildberger and from the Obere Mühle as an ideal exhibition venue, I thought to myself – now is the right time to realize a second picture exchange, this time for a wonderful project like the Flamingo Children’s Hospice, which is being opened “on my doorstep” in Fällanden.

Do you find it difficult to part with your works?

No, it’s not difficult for me to part with my works. The fact that the proceeds go to a good, meaningful institution makes me happy and fulfills me, so it’s not difficult to part with them. The ones that make it difficult for me and to which my heart is attached, I don’t put in the stock exchange, I keep them at home. And when you reach a certain age, it’s easier to let go … except for my garden, which I can’t let go of yet.

Nicola Presti, Head of Communications at the Foundation, in conversation with Lisbeth Meier.