BERLIN | GERMANY
Welcome to the world of emotions and art, guided by the talented artist Bella von Einsiedel. Her photographs are not just visual experiences; they are stories deeply rooted in the human soul. Through series like "SEVEN," "FEMMES DES FLEURS," and "THE TIME TRAVELER," Bella takes us on a journey into the intimate depths of human experiences, opening the doors to stories waiting to be discovered.
But Bella is not just an artist; she is also a humanitarian. Through the "Dein Sternenkind" Foundation and her personal project "NEW HABITAT," Bella gives a voice to those whose suffering often remains invisible. Her work is not just an artistic expression; it is a call for empathy, understanding, and community.
Join us as we explore the depth and strength of Bella's art, accompanied by emotions and dedication, and see how she not only creates photographs but also connections to the world around her.
Your passion for photography is evident in your work. Can you tell us more about yourself and your journey into the world of art? How did you begin your career as a photographer and artist?
My love for photography began in my youth when I first picked up a camera. I found it exciting to capture moments and emotions in images and even staged subjects to tell stories.
Initially, it was just a hobby, but I soon realized how passionate I was about photography. I invested more and more time and energy into improving my skills. I taught myself the fundamentals of photography by reading books, conducting online research, and experimenting extensively. I also made connections in the world of photography and worked on various projects to get better. Over time, I developed my own style and decided to turn my passion into a profession. So, I took the step of showcasing my work publicly and accepting assignments. It was a continuous learning process that led me into the world of art and photography, and I am grateful for all the experiences I've gained on this journey.
Can you share your artistic philosophy and how you developed your unique style?
My artistic philosophy is heavily influenced by my belief that photography is a powerful means of storytelling and capturing emotions. I believe that there is a story behind every image, and my goal is to tell these stories in a way that touches, inspires, and provokes thought in viewers. I'm particularly interested in the idea of creating artworks with therapeutic statements and effects and making them accessible to everyone. To leave people with a positive feeling as they view my images.
My style developed over time through a combination of experimentation, learning, and continuous development. It is characterized, among other things, by artistic staging, surreal image editing, and a preference for emotional depth. I was never limited to a specific style; rather, I consciously chose to try different techniques and approaches. In doing so, I discovered my preferences for surrealism and my aesthetic inclinations. It is an ongoing journey of growth, and I always strive to expand my style and explore new avenues for creative self-expression.
Your commitment to art extends beyond your artistic work to your involvement with the "Dein Sternenkind" Foundation. Can you share some experiences from your engagement with this foundation and how it has influenced your artistic work, or perhaps still influences it?
My involvement with the "Dein Sternenkind" Foundation is a matter of the heart for me and complements my artistic work in a special way. The foundation supports families confronted with the painful loss of a child, offering them comfort, counseling, and valuable resources during their most challenging times. The moments when I interacted with these families and had the privilege to stand by them were deeply moving and profoundly changed my perspective as an artist.
My experiences with the foundation have helped me form a deeper connection to emotions and the unique stories of people. They've shown me how important it is to infuse empathy and compassion into my photography to authentically capture moments and feelings and to shape them in a way that forms a genuine connection with viewers.
They have also made it clear to me that art possesses a healing and communicative power. They remind me that art isn't just visual; it can also be emotional and therapeutic. In a way, these experiences have heightened my responsibility as a photographer to preserve people's stories and memories in a way that provides comfort and hope. Not least, these experiences have also inspired me to explore the field of art therapy and pursue a degree as an art therapist.
How do you find inspiration for your photo series? How do you decide which themes to explore in your work?
Inspiration for my photo series can come from various sources. It often arises from my personal life, experiences, and encounters. I draw inspiration from the people around me, the places I visit, and everyday moments. Sometimes, I find inspiration in artworks, books, or other photographers who offer a unique perspective on the world.
The choice of themes for my work is often intuitive. I follow my passions and interests, which lead me to specific subjects. I seek out stories that are meaningful to me and that I want to tell through my images. It can also happen that I draw inspiration from current societal or cultural issues to use my work as a means of making these topics visible.
I believe that universal emotions we all share, such as love, grief, joy, fear, and hope, are powerful ways to connect with viewers. Ultimately, it's a creative process where I incorporate my intuition, passions, and aesthetic vision to select themes for my photo series. Overall, it's a combination of personal experiences, empathy, creative technique, and the ability to capture universal emotions that helps me create connections in my photos and convey my messages.
It's a constant search for new ways to visually tell stories and interpret the world through my camera.
"SEVEN": The idea for "SEVEN" stemmed from my fascination with cycles and the changes in human life over time. The number seven historically holds special significance in various cultures and religions. The myth of the "seven-year itch" dates back to ancient times.
It is said that every seven years marks a new phase with accompanying changes. For instance, at 7 years old, children lose their milk teeth; at 14, puberty begins, and at 21, a person is considered an adult. Recent research also shows that every seven to ten years, a person effectively renews all of their cells, although the changes occur at different rates. I found this concept intriguing and wanted to explore the seven-year life cycles of various people, ranging from 7 to 77 years old, to see how life, personality, and experiences evolve during these periods. The selection of individuals was based on personal relationships and stories I had been following in their development.
The insights gained from this series demonstrated that significant transitions were indeed occurring in the lives of all the subjects at that particular moment, revealing the unique and often unexpected paths life can take and how identities and life perspectives evolve over the years. Each life phase of
the subjects brought its own challenges, realizations, and changes, and often indeed every seven years.
"FEMMES DES FLEURS": This series depicts the symbiosis between people, particularly women, and nature. The role of femininity and themes like self-worth, diversity, and our connection to nature have always played a significant role in my work, and "FEMMES DES FLEURS" was a way to connect these themes. By portraying female bodies as porcelain figurines symbolizing both fragility and strength, the series highlights the beauty and resilience of women. The floral patterns serve as a metaphor for the delicate yet enduring connection between women and nature, as they ultimately form the foundation for new life and growth.
This series aims to remind viewers to treat both their bodies and the environment with care, as both can be fragile and ephemeral.
"THE TIME TRAVELER": "THE TIME TRAVELER" explores the concept of time travel by representing different eras through clothing, accessories, and plants. When selecting specific time periods, I conducted online research to ensure that the clothing, accessories, and plants matched the respective era. My goal was to capture the magic of time travel and the connection between different ages. Each image was meant to tell its own story while being part of a larger narrative arc. I wanted to stimulate viewers' imaginations and take them on a journey through time. The series is meant to inspire an appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the past and an exploration of the connection between different epochs. It also serves as a reminder not to repeat the mistakes of the past. For example, when creating the third image that combines the 1970s with World War II, it was unpredictable that the world would be shaken by severe wars again, as it currently is.
This series, from which not all images have been published yet, also addresses sociopolitical issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it portrays the magic of time travel while artistically making important historical themes visible.
Your extraordinary talent and commitment to art have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. How does this influence your artistic journey?
As an artist and photographer, the recognition and awards I've received throughout my career are undeniably motivating and encouraging. They validate that my work is appreciated by others and can boost one's confidence. These awards have also provided me with opportunities to present my work to a wider audience and be more present in the art world.
However, it's essential to remember that awards should not be the primary driver of one's artistic work. My creative process continues to be rooted in my passion for photography and a deep connection to the themes I explore. I view awards as a confirmation of what I do and a means to make my art accessible to a broader audience.
Recognition and awards can also open doors to new opportunities and make artistic projects possible that might not have been otherwise. Still, they are just one part of the artistic journey, and the true motivation comes from the joy of creating and a fascination with the world of photography and art.
You are currently preparing a new photo series titled "NEW HABITAT." Can you tell us more about this project, including the inspiration and concept behind it?
The photo series "NEW HABITAT" is a very personal project that addresses the topic of ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). As a photographer and someone affected by ME/CFS, I decided to start this project to artistically document and share the experiences of people living with this chronic condition. Some of the photos have already been released.
The inspiration for "NEW HABITAT" arose from the necessity to make ME/CFS visible and convey the burdens it brings to those affected. ME/CFS is often an invisible illness that is not fully understood by society.
My goal is to use visual stories and images to depict life with ME/CFS and raise awareness about the challenges and limitations that individuals with the condition face.
The concept behind "NEW HABITAT" is to artistically explore the daily lives of ME/CFS sufferers. The condition often has a profound impact on daily life and the ability to engage in activities. Estimates suggest that around 60% of those affected can no longer work, approximately 25% cannot leave their homes, and many are bedridden and require care. The "new habitat" dramatically shrinks, mainly limiting it to one's apartment or bedroom for severely affected individuals. In my series, I aim to portray these changes and adaptations necessary for living with ME/CFS.
The series not only depicts the physical aspects of adjustment but also the emotional and mental aspects. It shows moments of isolation, struggle, but also hope and survival. The series aims to make the invisible visible and evoke empathy for people with ME/CFS.
Through this photo series, I hope to raise awareness about ME/CFS, educate about this condition, and contribute to better understanding the challenges and struggles of those affected. I was pleased to see that this photo series has already received multiple international awards, bringing the issue into the public eye.
Simultaneously, "NEW HABITAT" is also a personal journey for me to express and process my own experience with this illness. It is a unique opportunity for me to connect my artistic voice and my personal experience.
Given your rich artistic career and inspiring journey, what advice would you give to young artists entering the world of photography and art?
1. Follow your passion: Passion for what you do is crucial. Let your heart and your own interests guide you. Photography and art require dedication and perseverance, so it's important to choose something that truly excites you.
2. Keep learning: The world of art and photography is constantly evolving. Invest time and energy in learning and honing your skills. Utilize workshops, books, online resources, and, most importantly, practical experience to improve.
3. Find your own style: It's great to be inspired by other artists, but work on developing your unique style. Experiment, try different approaches, and discover what works best for you.
4. Build a portfolio: Your portfolio is your calling card. Start early in creating high-quality work and build an impressive portfolio. This will help you convince potential clients and galleries.
5. Be patient and persistent: The path in art can come with challenges and setbacks. Be patient with yourself and stay persistent. Success often comes through endurance and determination.
6. Network and share your work: Build relationships with other artists and connect within the art community. Share your work, whether it's participating in competitions, exhibitions, on social media, or other platforms. Feedback and exchange are valuable for your development.
7. Have confidence in your vision: Trust your creative instincts and your vision. Don't let trends or others' expectations influence you too much. Your uniqueness is your strength.
8. Work on the emotional connection: In art, it's often about conveying emotions. The best photos tell stories. Seek meaning and emotional depth in your images. Your work should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also touch the viewer.
9. Be open to criticism and feedback: Criticism can be painful, but it's also a valuable tool for improvement. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to sharpen your skills.
10. Act ethically: Integrity is important in the art world. Respect the privacy and feelings of people who appear in your images. Be respectful and ethical in your treatment of your subjects.
11. Do good: As I've learned through my work with the "Dein Sternenkind" Foundation, art can also be a way to help others. Find ways for your art to have a positive impact on society.
12. Stay curious: The world is full of inspiring stories and moments. Stay curious and open to new experiences that can enrich your artistic journey.
13. Be open to change: The art world is diverse and ever-changing. Be open to new challenges and opportunities that may arise.
14. Enjoy it: Art should not only be hard work but also bring joy. Let the joy of the creative process drive you and remember why you ventured into the world of art.
15. Dare to pursue your dreams: Dare to follow your dreams and live your creative ambitions. It's never too late to find your own path and follow it.
We invite you to delve deeper into Bella's fascinating works by visiting her website at www.bellavoneinsiedel.com and following her creative journey on her Instagram profile @bellavoneinsiedel.
Bella's exceptional talent, passion, and deep dedication to art offer an endless source of inspiration. Her images have the power to evoke profound emotions and tell stories that will linger in our hearts for a long time.
*Editor's Notes: "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" (CFS) is the common term for the illness also known as "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis." It is a serious, complex, and often highly debilitating condition characterized by persistent fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms. The exact cause of CFS is unknown, and there is no specific cure. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life for those affected.