The Magic of Slowing Down
In the middle of Berlin's outskirts, surrounded by picturesquely renovated old town streets and the original cultural landscape, lies a true gem: Altlandsberg. Here, on the historic Altlandsberg castle estate, where the future King Frederick I once spent his youth, I was able to experience a special form of travel - a slow trip. True to the motto "Keep Calm & Slow Down", on a slow trip you take time for the country and its people and discover new perspectives.
Monotype – Art of the Unique
My slow trip began in the basement of the manor house. Under the patient guidance of Ulrich "Uli" Handke, the night watchman of Altlandsberg and qualified textile designer, I immersed myself in the fascinating world of monotype. A printing technique that produces only one single image - a unique piece.
Uli, our host and artist, began with a brief introduction of himself and explained the materials that were on the table in front of us and gave us a rough explanation of the printing technique so that we could get a first impression. Then we were able to get started without further ado.
We started by painting a silicone base with paint. I immediately tried two shades of green, which I wanted to mix to create a sage green. It didn't work, but that didn't affect the result. After pressing the paper onto the base, I carefully pulled it off again and a green background appeared. It was liberating to work with wet paint on a smooth surface and to see the unique image take shape under my hands.
An inspiring teacher
Uli's positive energy was contagious. He encouraged each of us to get involved in the creative process and to see every creation as a work of art. His credo: There is no right or wrong in art. Every impression, every apparent mistake can lead to an impressive result.
A Sea of Colors
Finally, we learned the next step and the base was painted again. This time I chose pink and white and spread the colors so that a spotty pattern was created. Then I used a comb to brush over the base, which created a special pattern. The previously green printed paper now served as a background and I pressed it onto the base. A special unique piece was created: pink and white stripes with a special curve adorned the green background.
Once we were familiar with the basics, things got colorful and creative at the table. Colors were passed around and mixed, stencils were cut and painted, backgrounds were created and printed with new patterns. With Uli's support, we became bolder and whenever we needed him, he was there to help and advise us, as well as to inspire us.
Delicious cake, coffee and orange juice rounded off the offer. While I fortified myself and waited for the paint on the paper to dry, I looked over the shoulders of the other participants. Each of us created wonderful works of art!
The beauty of nature
Time passed and finally Uli introduced us to another technique in which we used a natural motif for printing. I chose a specimen from a selection of dried plants that Uli had brought with him.
I again applied paint to my silicone base - I chose dark blue - and pressed the dried plant onto it. Using a sheet of paper, which I carefully pressed flat onto the base, I removed the excess paint and left a dark blue imprint of the plant. The flowers looked like little butterflies.
After I had allowed the print to dry thoroughly, I painted over it with a second color. I chose gold. Again I pressed a white paper onto the base, this time a thicker one, which felt more valuable in my hand and matched the shimmering gold that I had chosen. I carefully pulled it off and held a picture in my hand that showed a dark blue plant with butterfly flowers on a gold background. WOW! A piece of real nature! My favorite piece of this creative workshop.
Pure deceleration
What was special about this slow trip was not only the art, but also the atmosphere. The exchange with other participants, the relaxation while mixing the colors and the free flow of creativity under Uli's guidance - all of this contributed to a feeling of slowing down. I felt free from the burdens of everyday life and completely in the here and now.
After three hours of creative work and exchange, I collected my works, said goodbye and ended the evening with a walk. I walked around the castle estate, which lay in the soft evening light, and enjoyed the peace and beauty of this place. I felt light and relaxed.
Conclusion
The slow trip to Altlandsberg was more than just a workshop. It was an experience that reminded me how valuable it is to consciously take time for yourself, to slow down and to be inspired by art and culture. I returned with my own works of art in my luggage and the desire to repeat this experience. And I'm already looking forward to Uli's expanded offering next year!