Josef Fladerer

Since I was a child I was intrigued by nature.

I clearly remember how, when observing a tree or landscape and while being very quiet something beautiful happened:

A very profound and inexplicable silence started to expand inside of me and there was a total acceptance of the present moment.

I would be looking at a tree and the tree would be looking at me and I knew that somehow this was the same observer looking at itself.

My motivation and passion for painting began with the longing to stay forever in this peaceful and quiet place and share it with the world.

With each new painting there was hope to remember this silence again and in my heart I knew that this is my true nature.

Along with this there was always the question. Who is observing? Who or what is this which is conscious?

Later I realized I could experience this inner peace daily without having to travel far away or looking for a perfect place outside of me, which I thought  was possible only during my once a year vacation.

I now know that this “perfect place” is always with me and it’s a great joy to paint and share my artwork with others.

I have witnessed this “perfect place” experience in my art classes when the student forgets everything around him and is immersed into this timeless state.

And thus, Art and Silence are inseparable for me. Art is the expression of the most intimate part of my heart and I know Silence is the source of everything.

And what a miracle this is!