“I try to arouse emotions in the viewer with my art. Art is a way of expressing feelings and thoughts.”
A Journey from Nature to Canvas
Manuela Eibensteiner’s art is deeply entwined with the natural world, reflecting her profound connection to her homeland, the Mühlviertel. Her creative process starts with the unique practice of priming her works with spring water from Maria Bründl, a holy spring. This ritual not only symbolizes her appreciation for Mother Earth but also underscores her respect for her cultural roots. This integration of nature and art forms a vital part of her identity as an artist.
Eibensteiner’s artistic endeavors are diverse, spanning paintings, sculptures, fashion, and even repurposing old jackets into new creations. This variety showcases her versatile talent and innovative approach to art. Her fashion designs, including shoes and bags, highlight her ability to blend style with sustainability, creating new from the old. This commitment to creativity and reinvention is a testament to her dynamic artistic vision.
Her art aims to draw viewers into a world of vivid experiences, enveloping them in a symphony of colors and forms. This immersive quality is a hallmark of her work, designed to evoke deep emotional responses and transport the audience to another realm of experience.
Manuela Eibensteiner: Inspirations and Beginnings
Eibensteiner’s fascination with art began in her youth, sparked by an early interest in painting on glass using the technique of reverse glass painting. This method, involving intricate layers of paint and shading behind the glass, captivated her with its ability to create unique color mixtures and three-dimensional effects. The resulting artworks, which only reveal their full beauty after the drying phase, reflect her patience and dedication to her craft.
Her artistic journey has been marked by continuous experimentation. Eibensteiner refuses to confine herself to a single style, instead enjoying the freedom to mix, destroy, repaint, and layer her materials. This process, sometimes involving up to 30 different layers, allows her to explore the unpredictable ways in which the image eventually takes shape. This fluid approach to art underscores her belief in the transformative power of creation.
Eibensteiner’s environment, the wild and romantic Mühlviertel, is a constant source of inspiration. The forests and waters of her homeland provide the strength and energy that fuel her artistic pursuits. By incorporating elements of nature into her work, she maintains a deep connection with the earth, which she believes should be protected and cherished.
The Influence of Masterpieces
Among the many influences on Eibensteiner’s art, Anselm Kiefer stands out as a pivotal figure. She had the privilege of experiencing his large-scale works in the Palazzo Ducale in Venice, an encounter that left a lasting impression on her. Kiefer’s grandiose pieces resonate with her own artistic aspirations, inspiring her to push the boundaries of her creativity.
One of Eibensteiner’s most cherished projects is her creation paintings, which can take up to six months to complete. These works are particularly challenging due to the patience required and the uncertainty of how the multiple layers of color and glaze will interact. She often incorporates real gold leaf into these pieces, symbolizing a divine element that aims to transcend earthly confines and lose itself in the universe.
Her artistic journey is characterized by constant learning and experimentation. Eibensteiner’s willingness to embrace new media and techniques reflects her commitment to evolving as an artist. This relentless pursuit of growth ensures that her art remains fresh, dynamic, and deeply personal.
Manuela Eibensteiner: Art as Expression and Aspiration
Art, for Eibensteiner, is a means of expressing emotions and thoughts, a way to move and inspire viewers. Her works are designed to captivate, provoke, and reveal, stirring deep emotional responses. She believes that art has the power to transport us to other worlds, making it an essential part of everyday life. Her commitment to using spring water from Maria Bründl in her priming process signifies her trust in the goodness of nature and her desire to infuse her art with this purity.
Currently, Eibensteiner is working on a large-scale 2×2 meter artwork that involves up to 20 layers of glaze. This meticulous process, using natural materials like spring water mixed with sand, oil, resins, wood, and pigments, requires months of effort and drying time before the piece can reveal its full effect. This long and immersive process is a journey of self-discovery for her, highlighting her dedication to creation and the fascination she finds in the final reveal.
Looking ahead, Eibensteiner dreams of beautifying a large building with her paintings and designs. She envisions a space where her art can be fully integrated, from the architecture to the fashion and accessories. This ambitious project reflects her boundless creativity and her desire to leave a lasting impact on the world through her art.
