When did your interest in painting start?

I always had a great interest in and passion for painting. It allows me to express my personal individuality and creativity.

How did your journey start off?

My painting journey started off with the technique of Fluid art, appealing abstracts or semi abstracts using harmonious or bold colour combinations. Abstracts always attracted me because colours evoke different responses in people.

Which colours appeal to you most?

I choose colours that bring me joy and peace - I am fascinated by colour psychology and the way colours affect us.

Share with us what you know and have learnt about colour.

Some colours are considered to be stimulating, whereas others may be soothing and, therefore, colours may impact emotions and trigger memories. Colours can maintain a balance or energy lacking in a person's body. Colour has such a subtle effect on our lives that we rarely give it a second thought.

One of the most significant advantages of oil painting is its ability to blend colours like a dream. I am attracted by texture and the thick consistency of oil paints allow me to build up layers adding depth and dimension to my artwork.

Why do you suppose people buy paintings?

For a number of personal reasons. If you want to  introduce some  inspired change into your home then why not introduce a painting with a palette of fresh new colours to update and rejuvenate your living space? From calming blues to buttercup yellows and quirky pinks, the design options are endless when you take into consideration the different shades and hues that characterise a room.

Where do you find your inspiration for new pieces? Do you ever look to nature, music, or literature?

I mainly let my mood guide me, which makes my work feel alive and present in a way that pre-planned pieces sometimes don't. I am painting from the inside out, not the outside in. It is almost like emotional improvisation. The canvas becomes a space to check in with myself.

On the other hand I am a nature lover and passionate about hiking. Nature is a huge source of inspiration and gives me an immense feeling of inner peace, which I express in my paintings.

What about music? Some artists say they cannot paint without listening to music.

Music influences my mood and movement- it very much depends in which mood I am in and at times I put on some of my preferred lounge music and just go with the flow.

And literature?

Yes, Literature is another source from which I take inspiration. A single line in a book can spark a whole visual world. To quote William Blake: "To see a world in a grain of sand..." has inspired entire series on the hidden universe in small, overlooked things.

What's been the most challenging project you've worked on, and how did you overcome those hurdles?

Since, I let my mood guide my painting, as I mentioned earlier, I do avoid a lot of inner resistance by staying in tune with myself. With that kind of intuitive process, I do not force a direction - I follow one. Therefore, "challenging projects" are not really part of my vocabulary. However, that doesn't mean I did not encounter hurdles during my art journey; hurdles such as being too much attached to the outcome of a picture, overthinking every step. These hurdles do make part of any art journey and are easy to solve once recognized. Take a step back and let it sit, let go of control and start listening to your inner voice.

Art, in all its forms, is one of the greatest teachers of patience - and not the forced kind, but the kind that grows gently over time. The kind that says: "Be here. Trust the unfolding."

Do you have a piece that holds a special place in your heart or marks a significant achievement in your career?

Yes, after I started my art journey in fluid art, which is an abstract art form I switched to watercolour and following that, oil painting. The piece which holds a special place in my heart is my second watercolour ever, a beach scene. It holds so much personal meaning -  and not only of what it showed me about myself. I went from "I'm probably only able to do abstract..."
to "Wait, I can paint loose landscapes..."
to "Actually, I can explore any medium I want."

I stopped putting limits on my creativity, and it just expanded. My process became more about curiosity and joy, less about proving anything.

How does your art reflect who you are or your experiences? Are there hidden stories or messages in your work?

My art is a self-portrait. The way I compose a scene, what I leave out, what I emphasize - it all speaks to how I experience the world.

Nature elements are a "classic" symbolic language and serve me as such. Even if a painting looks like a simple landscape, it tells my personal, deeply emotional, story.

Do you feel your art style has evolved over time? If so, how?

Oh, definitely -it evolves constantly, almost like it's growing alongside myself. It is kind of like a visual journal of who I were and who I am becoming. This change is not necessarily happening consciously, but shifts  and sneaks in over time through experience, emotion and my own curiosity. In time I did trust my instincts more and the process, embracing imperfection. For me the shift happened from initial control to surrender and from surface to soul.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists starting their journey today?

Besides practice, practice and again practice, BE YOU. Just be yourself with your work, opinions and choices. Follow your own path, keeping up with continuing education and believe in yourself. Remember, art is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the imperfections, learn from them, and allow your unique voice to shine through your work. Perfection is an illusion; authenticity is where true beauty resides.​

Are there common misconceptions about art or artists that you'd like to address.

There are several. In my opinion "Real artists are naturally gifted" is a myth and makes so many people give up too soon. Yes, some people might have a gift, but art is a practice. Like music, writing, or dance - what looks effortless usually comes after hours (or years) of effort, failure, growth, and stubborn love for creating.

Another big myth: "You need to stick to one style to be taken seriously."

Big myth. Exploration isn't inconsistency - it's growth. You're allowed to shift, pivot, experiment, or reinvent yourself as often as you want. You're not a brand - you're a person.

Where do you see your art taking you in the future?

Making more space for the unknown. I do not cultivate proper plans but prefer to remain true to myself and my intuition.

Sometimes the best things happen when they are not planned.

Leaving space for the unknown keeps my work -and exciting. I've already cracked open something powerful just by trusting myself. Now it's a matter of continuing to show up, keep exploring, and let my art lead me toward more of who I really am. For now, I am enjoying the process.

I must say,  we did enjoy our brunch and found Corrado and his team very welcoming.

You may see a good selection of Kerstin's art at Atilem (Melita) where Corrado and his small team will also provide you with some light food and drink, while you enjoy the art.