**[Manuela Karin Knaut](https://www.cohart.com/manuela/profile)** is an independent artist currently living in Braunschweig, Germany. She acquired a MFA in Installation Art from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. She has exhibited across the globe, from South Africa to Denmark. Her works are held in private and public collections across all five continents.

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##### Can you describe your artistic process?

The process of creating my works is filled with intuition and spontaneity. I rarely map out exactly what I plan to do. Sometimes I carry a vague idea of the colors or fragments I’d like to include, but more often than not, I simply follow what feels right in the moment. Most of the time, this approach works out just right. However, there are days when I feel dissatisfied with what I’ve created and decide to scrap everything. Occasionally, I’ll look at a painting and sense that it’s missing something, leading me to add an entirely new layer that transforms it into something unexpected. I find this unpredictable aspect of the creative process incredibly rewarding. The uncertainty keeps the experience fresh and exciting for me.
 
Rather than aiming for a specific visual outcome, I focus on the energy my work conveys. How does it make me feel? How might it resonate with others? There’s a moment when the composition just clicks, and that’s when I know a piece is finished.  My preparation process revolves around collecting materials and inspiration. I gather items from various places, like the side of the road or flea markets, to draw from later. One thing I do prepare in advance is the titles for my pieces. I always carry a small sketchbook where I jot down interesting phrases or words I encounter - whether in conversations or while flipping through a magazine. Once a painting is complete, I often revisit these notes, finding inspiration for its title from the words I’ve saved.

##### What materials and techniques do you typically use? What is your approach to experimenting with new techniques or styles?

I am quite flexible with the materials that I use, it usually depends on whichever style of work I am drawn to at the moment. I enjoy working with acrylics, graffiti, crayons and ink when it comes to large-scale canvas work. These are the materials I keep on circling back to, although I am always drawn to trying out new things as well. 

Spontaneity and a sense of unpredictability are typical for my work. The same goes for trying out new techniques and styles. It is usually a rather spontaneous decision to try out something new and not really something I carefully plan out in advance. However, some styles do need thorough preparation; for example, when I work with my silk screen press. Generally speaking, I am driven by a sense of fearlessness and believe that there is no such thing as “messing up” when it comes to the creative process.

##### What emotions do you experience when creating your art, and how do they influence the final piece?
 
When I get asked at what age I decided I wanted to be an artist I never really know how to answer the question. The reason for that is that I have always felt like one – it is like an inherent and inexplicable desire within me to be creative and explore myself artistically. That is why I mostly feel inspired, energized, and fulfilled when I create art. However, there are definitely also days that can feel frustrating or irritating, but that is part of the process. Usually, it feels like an expression of my true self. 

##### What is your approach to experimenting with new techniques or styles?
 
Spontaneity and a sense of unpredictability are typical for my work. The same goes for trying out new techniques and styles. It is usually a rather spontaneous decision to try out something new and not really something I carefully plan out in advance. However, some styles do need thorough preparation; for example, when I work with my silk screen press. Generally speaking, I am driven by a sense of fearlessness and believe that there is no such thing as “messing up” when it comes to the creative process.

##### Can you describe a turning point in your artistic career that significantly impacted your work?
 
An artistic career is an ongoing process that does not always have a set starting or ending point, in my opinion. That is why it is also difficult for me to identify a specific turning point. All the decisions, failures, and successes along the way have shaped me as the artist I am today and impacted me in different ways. However, one thing I would like to point out is my MFA degree (Masters of Fine Arts) that I obtained from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2018. The completion of this degree felt like a pivotal moment in both my own sense of identity as an artist but also the external perception towards me. The degree challenged me creatively and opened many doors—literally and metaphorically.

##### Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset?
 
As an artist, I treat my work like any other job, so I don’t have to do a specific ritual before starting a session. I head to my studio in the same way others go to their workplace—it’s straightforward and not very mysterious. That said, my routine always begins with changing into my paint-covered art clothes. Over the years, I’ve ruined plenty of everyday clothes while creating, so this habit has become a practical necessity!

##### Are there any symbols, colors, or motifs that recur in your work, and what significance do they hold for you?

I go through phases with the colour palettes I like to use. Sometimes I prefer using more sombre shades, almost shifting into a minimalist black-and-white-only look. Other times I crave something vibrant, energetic and almost eccentric. That is when I chose to include brighter colours such as pink, orange or a bright blue. It depends on the vibe and atmosphere I want to create.

One recurring motif is my usage of writing, whether that is short quotes, words, or catchphrases. It is something I have always employed in my work, and still like to use as a sort of stylistic device. Apart from that, my work still remains mainly abstract; therefore, any resemblance to everyday objects or symbols is often purely coincidental. 

##### How do you balance personal expression with audience expectations in your work?
 
I try not to let myself be influenced by audience expectations too much. Obviously, I notice when a piece generates a lot of attention during exhibitions or online on my Instagram account. However, I have noticed that it never works out when I try to recreate my own work or overthink my creative process. In my opinion, it is never a good idea to try and rationalize the impact of a piece for an audience. That is why I try to avoid thinking about it during the creation of my works. However, when I come up with an exhibition concept or think about assembling a booth at an art fair, outside perception does play an important role. 

##### What do you think is the most important quality for an artist to possess?
 
Artists exist in many different contexts, forms and spheres. They are not a homogenous mass, which is why one cannot assign specific traits to an artist. While some are free spirits that thrive upon the unexpected, others are meticulous planners and analysts. I would argue that a certain degree of adaptability is always an important quality to have, since the world around us is always in motion and always changing. In general, I also value traits like curiosity, fearlessness, and confidence.

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Manuela Karin Knaut’s art embraces intuition and spontaneity, focusing on energy over outcome with a rewarding, personal process.

Spotlight: Manuela Knaut on Finding Freedom in Unpredictability

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