About me
My Story Begins
I have always been passionate about painting, publishing works under the pen name “Rie” since my twenties. After my mother’s sudden passing in 1999, I realized the importance of pursuing what I truly want.
In my forties, I began creating large oil paintings—landscapes, portraits, and abstracts—which brought me freedom, focus, and healing.
A few years later, I exhibited my works at Zug Old Town Hall and online, giving new life to my creations.
At Rie’s Atelier, I showcase not only paintings but also photography, books, hanging scrolls, tea utensils, stones, and other art forms I have long cherished.
Books
Now that Eastern mindfulness is widely known in the West, many people may picture practitioners quietly sitting and turning their attention inward. While this is indeed one form of mindfulness, I have found that the traditional practices I have encountered hold an even deeper potential.
What has particularly captivated me is the “forgotten wisdom” embedded in the Japanese tea ceremony—the quietude that flows through it, and the care and attention present in every gesture. These teachings revealed a form of mindfulness that truly unfolds in relation to others.
The true purpose of mindfulness is not merely to look inward. It is about discovering the “Invisible Gifts” we are each born with and sharing them with those around us. Doing so not only heals and deepens human relationships but also strengthens our connection with the Earth.
My approach, based on these insights, is detailed in my book published by Berry Powell Press in November 2022:
Invisible Gifts: A Revolutionary Mindfulness Practice for Deepening and Healing Relationships.
My “Invisible Gifts Method” is introduced to children aged 8–12 through Birdfish, a magical character who belongs to both the bird and fish worlds. It’s a fun way for kids to learn emotional intelligence.
Staruck, who has never fit in, discovers a crystal island and learns that being “different” gives her extraordinary powers. When the island faces collapse, she must decide whether to abandon or help the birds and fish around her.
This story encourages children to embrace their uniqueness and deepen their understanding of themselves and others.