About Me
My artistic journey began in the charming town of Greven, near Münster, Germany, and has unfolded as a vivid tapestry of experiences ever since. Some of my earliest memories are of my grandfather driving me to the meadows in his Mercedes to visit his cows. These outings always ended with a stop at the local Italian ice cream parlor for a small cone—a ritual that instilled in me a sense of joy and curiosity about the simple pleasures in life.
The heart of my hometown was a nearly 1,000-year-old church perched on a hill by the river. Its organist was a true master, filling the air with the magnificent sounds of the pipe organ. Occasionally, I was invited to join him in the organ loft, where I could feel the music resonate through every fiber of my being. For a few years, I took piano lessons from him, but his passing left a void that wasn’t filled until my early twenties, when I rediscovered music in Hamburg.
Before arriving in Hamburg, however, my love for exploration began to shape my path. In my mid-teens, I started traveling, driven by a desire to experience new cultures and meet extraordinary people. A trip to Scotland led to an unexpected opportunity: a position as a journalist for *Muziek Express*, a music magazine based in The Hague. Writing for the German edition brought me into contact with legends like Tina Turner and Fats Domino, and this exposure sparked dreams of the United States. Instead, I found myself in Hamburg, where a chance encounter with a musician from Fats Domino’s band opened the door to New Orleans.
New Orleans was transformative. Its warm climate, vibrant culture, and even warmer people captivated me instantly. Coming from the frosty streets of Hamburg, I found myself on Rampart Street, surrounded by palm trees and the January heat. The city’s music, particularly its jazz, enthralled me. I initially planned to study under Dr. John and James Booker, but life took unexpected turns. A year later, after losing a close friend who had introduced me to this remarkable city, I was left to find my way in a new world.
Leaving Hamburg behind, I embraced a new chapter, enrolling at Loyola University in New Orleans on a scholarship. While I valued the classical music training, my heart was firmly rooted in the city’s jazz clubs. Night after night, I soaked in the vibrant rhythms and melodies, and it was there that I met the most extraordinary jazz musician I’d ever encountered—Steve Masakowski. We married, raised two incredible children, Sasha and Martin, and my love for both jazz and family has only deepened over the years.
About a decade ago, my creative journey took a new direction when I enrolled in a drawing class at a local community college. Our first assignment was to replicate a master drawing, and I chose Leonardo da Vinci’s *Madonna*. The experience was profound—I became so immersed in the process that time and space seemed to dissolve, as if da Vinci himself were guiding my hand. That moment ignited a passion for visual art that has since grown alongside my music. Although largely self-taught, I’ve been inspired by countless artists and teachers, constantly seeking to expand my knowledge and skills.
Today, my creativity flows between music and visual art, both of which continue to inspire and fulfill me. Whether drawing from history or exploring new frontiers, my artistic journey is ever-evolving, driven by a passion for expression and a deep appreciation for the connections art creates.