Doerte Fitschen - Rath: Winter 2022
Doerte gracefully moves through each of her careers and talents like a prism catching the light. She is not concerned with just focusing on one aspect of her creativity but allowing it all to flow and reflect on each other to create a colorful spectrum. With the intent to stay for three months only, She moved to New York from Hamburg, Germany in 1999 and now calls it home. She knew the city was the place that would help manifest her unique career as a photographer, creative director, director and designer.
As a photographer, she documents the signs of the times, people and places. Her interest in revealing tender moments in mundane routines and self-expression in an ever changing world is rooted in her interest in telling stories about the world that surrounds her. She also applies different media to her images that support the story she would like to convey. Commercially, she has worked as a creative director in the fashion, advertising and entertainment sector for 20+ years. From MoMa The Museum Modern Art to Nili Lotan to Kate Spade New York, she loves to collaborate with everyone. Her choices are lifted but her nature is down to earth. She has inspired and taught students at The School of Visual Arts, NY as well as Pratt Institute, Brooklyn.
Since the day I met Doerte on set, I have been in awe of her beauty inside and out, creativity, kindness, and her absolute conviction to live her life on her terms. I learned quickly that she was not going to play the client role and small talk was out. Doerte wants the real thing. She is always available for a deep talk about what moves your heart and stirs your passions.
Doerte Fitschen-Rath is represented by @mynt.art for select prints that are available for purchase. As a continuation of her work as a photographer and activist, she will donate 20% of her sales from select prints that were captured in the Lower East Side and in the context of Black Lives Matter to @avenuesforjustice
What sign are you?
Aquarius
What is your first memory of creating something you loved and wanted to share?
When I was 4, I painted a mural on my sister’s and my bedroom window. She helped as much as she could at the age of 2. We lived in a ground floor apartment and anyone walking by could see it, which was super cool! And I could see it when I was walking home. This painting was my first public piece.
What aspect of the creative process do you most look forward to?
All of it! From conception through execution to the final piece. There is something magical about conception and when you know, you’re on to something.
As a multidisciplinary artist how do you define what your brand is and what you do?
It is very fluid. I tend to say, what I see inspires what I do and vice versa.
What creative milestone do you want to achieve this year?
Between 2018-2019, I traveled to Cuba and worked on a project there. I would like to publish it as a book in the coming year. Right now, I’m working on prints to grasp the magnitude of this project.
Who are your mentors?
I am looking for a mentor. Anyone interested?
What grounds you?
Running. And hearing my little kitty purr.
Has the pandemic taught you anything positive about your creative process?
It brought me back to my roots as a creator. In the midst of the pandemic, I worked on a project to capture the feeling of what was going on in my life and how to cope. It was called ‘Everyday, but different’. It came out a bit pedestrian, probably the most pedestrian I have ever been in my own work (not my commercial work). Maybe I was just looking for stability and the uncertainty of life made me go for an approachable execution. Now, I file this project under ‘diary entry’ and move ahead with a clear vision.
What does being an artist mean to you?
Autonomy of the creative.
What advice would you give another artist?
When your mind is clouded, your inner voice will tell you where to go.