Ulrike Lea Moormann works as a multidisciplinary designer and illustrator in Aachen, Germany with a focus on pottery. Her studio is located in a former bakery in Frankenberger Viertel, close to nice cafes and parks and some dear friends who pop by from time to time for a tea or a chat. Her works are created in the interplay of shapes and bold colours, inspired by everyday life, nature and art.
Who or what inspired you to pursue an art career?
Not really a person or moment in my life. At a certain point I just followed my inner voice and went ‚all in‘.
Can you share an important moment in your life or career that shaped your artistic or entrepreneurial path?
Oh, there where quite a few as somehow every day has an impact on my work. Collaboration-wise it was really lovely, inspiring and special to be working with OEUF NYC on their kids knitting line as it happened in an atmosphere of absolute partnership and esteem.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
As a 100% freelance working artist there are always challenges behind every corner to be honest. I think it never ends, but reflecting thoughts and fears with close friends and family helps a lot.
Balancing business career while being a mum can be challenging. How do you find that balance?
Super stressful to be honest as I‘m a single mom working 100 % freelance. Even tho I love my work and wouldn’t change a single thing about it, I sometimes dream myself into a boring job at the office when things are really hard and challenging.
Beyond your creative pursuits, what are your other passions and how do they influence your work?
Knitting, gardening, carving. My biggest source of inspiration is the simple everyday life. I often find inspiration in little details: a moment outdoors, a scene in a cafe, a farmers market.
Are there any women whom you consider role models?
My granny
What advice do you have for women who are aspiring to make a mark in the art/business world?
Stay with you, be true to yourself, believe in your ideas, don‘t work for free.
What's your go-to comfort food when you need a pick-me-up?
A big bowl of porridge with warm plums on top and cinnamon.
Do you have a guilty pleasure TV show that you enjoy binge-watching?
Not really, but I use to re-watch various Star Treck episodes from time to time.
If you could teleport to any place in the world right now, where would it be?
My bed :) It’s already so dark in the evenings.
What's your morning ritual that sets a positive tone for the day?
Unfortunately I don‘t have any rituals like that but its always nice to start the working day at my studio by putting on some tea.
Most-used Emoji: ❤️
What was your absolute favorite cartoon when you were a kid?
The Peanuts (even tho I didn‘t really get the humor back then)
Describe your ideal creative space. What elements make it inspiring for you?
An old barn with big windows and lots of open space, facing a flower- and vegetable garden as part of my imaginary dream house.
Do you have an unexpected or quirky talent that people might not know about?
Not really a talent but I have synesthesia, which means (in my case) that numbers are represented as colours. It helps me remembering telephone numbers but also causes a certain kind of ‚pain‘ when I see them represented in the ‚wrong‘ colour.
What is your favorite piece of clothing and why?
A silk dress with a super beautiful whimsical pattern design by Minä Perhonen, a Japanese fashion label.
Could you describe your clothing style? What do you most like to wear?
Fun, colourful, playful. My self knitted sweaters and a pair of dungarees by the US brand Older Brother.
Which is your favorite OAT AVA piece? What are 3 words that first come to your mind about OAT AVA products?
Oh, this is a hard one. Do I have to pick just one? Hm, then it is the striped version of the MOA jumper. Three words: timeless, cosy, beautifully made.
Favorite movie:
Phew, another hard one. Not the favourite but a favourite: Lost in Translation by Sofia Coppola.
Country you haven't visited yet but would like to:
JAPAN
Superpower you'd like to have:
The capability to be able to sleep anytime and everywhere.
One thing you'd change in the World:
end of war and capitalism
Three things you're very grateful for:
my kids, my friends and family and to be able to do what I love most for a living.
