Theartexplosion.com Gallery

My new collection 'roller coaster' is a very personal and sincere expression of my ups and downs throughout the year 2008, the most exhausting time I have experienced in my whole life.

As a German artist looking to work and establish a business in San Francisco, I have bitterly struggled emotionally as well as financially with and because of the US visa laws since 2004.

However, this past year finally brought this continuous and painful roller coaster to a conclusion. In June 2008 I hit a personal all time low, thinking I could not take any more of the uncertainty and instability brought about by never ending visa-applications and lawyer visits, waiting for work permits, dealing with travel restrictions, and a not-knowing what the next month or year will bring. I was completely devastated, somehow not willing to risk more time, money and energy, afraid of even greater loss.

But, at the same time, I was not ready to give up the life I had built in San Francisco, my home that this city had quickly become, and my art-business that I had been working so hard and passionately for over the last several years.
So, investing my very last resources, my entire energy, and a monster portion of optimism, I had one more shot to extend my stay in the US - but it would only be for 3 months....A chance-hope! - to use that time to figure out a long-term solution. That is when I met an angel, voluntarily helping me to find a new approach, a different type of visa. And again, but now with renewed energy, pushing through another four hard months of additional paper work, restriction, and inexplicable tension. And then, there it was - the surprise! What a relief!

Successfully, on 12/12/2008, I was granted the "visa for persons with extraordinary abilities" which now allowed me to travel outside the US again and to visit my family in Germany - after 5 very long years. Happiness beyond comparison!

I am now even eligible to apply for the green-card. There is hope again for me to focus on life, work, and art, and to rediscover an essential personal balance..

In short, with this series of paintings I am expressing very personal feelings that were born during a very intense time in my life. However, these are emotions that most people may have experienced themselves and can relate to.

This is my roller coaster of life, at the same time, it could be anyone's.