Monika is a visual artist and educator who lives and works in Berkeley, CA. Born and raised in rural Germany, she was exposed to a rich tradition of textile craft and making from a young age. The iterative design process became second nature in her work and life. Throughout her career as an educator and museum professional, she has supported people at the intersection of creativity and hands-on learning. In October 2024, she joined Mercury 20, an artist-run gallery in Oakland.
Experimenting with materials, texture, pattern and color is part of establishing her own style and visual language. Working across a broad range of mediums, including inner tubes, soccer balls, canvas and paint, Monika creates abstract two- and three-dimensional work. She often incorporates traditional textile techniques, such as knitting or embroidery, in unusual ways to give her artwork additional color and bring it to life. Monika's approach is experimental; her creative process intuitive and iterative, often layering techniques to create organic textures and dimensions. She draws inspiration from nature as well her own life experiences.
