Artists Statement

Antje Wagner

Scholarship Literature 1.7. – 30.9.2025

What made you decide to apply for the otte1 scholarship?

I was looking for a quiet, inspiring place to work and clear my head. During the year, I work very intensively on events for children and young people. I travel a lot in German-speaking countries, going from city to city and school to school. When I’m constantly on the move and living out of a suitcase, it’s not easy to find the concentration and peace and quiet I need to write.
The prospect of being able to work in such a beautiful artists’ residence as Otte1 for three months and even receiving a small financial grant that allowed me to stay in one place and not have to travel around was therefore a real ray of hope for me, and I was very happy about it.

What did you work on during your stay?

I am currently working on a four-part children’s book series and, at the same time, on a complex novel for young adults. At Otte1, I had the opportunity to work on both projects, although, contrary to my original plan, I focused more on the novel. I have completed about 50% of the manuscript.

What inspired you at the artists’ residence in Eckernförde?

The living situation was ideal: a study separate from the bedroom, a spacious kitchen and a balcony – all of which gave me enough space to live and work in complete relaxation. And then there was the summer with its circling seagulls. I was inspired by the unfamiliar maritime environment, even though my novel is set not by the sea but by a huge lake.
Although the landscape will not be reflected one-to-one in my manuscript, the three-month break in a relaxing, scenic location with warm-hearted artist house supervisors gave me the chance to focus inwardly on my projects and rethink them. And to develop them. This was something I didn’t normally have in my otherwise hectic and turbulent everyday life.

What will you take away from Eckernförde for your further artistic development?

I have come to realise that slowing down at my own pace is good for me. During the coronavirus pandemic, I experienced an involuntary slowdown, which was not good for me. I felt more hindered than helped, and the lack of social contact had a negative effect on my mood. In contrast, the residency grant in an inspiring place like Otte1 allowed me to experience a completely different, positive kind of slowing down. This stay helped me to find peace and free myself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I was able to concentrate on creative processes and develop new ideas.
During my time at Otte1, I realised that I don’t take enough time for such peaceful slowdown phases and that I need at least one month of rest a year to find and maintain my inner and creative balance. A very concrete result of this realisation is the fact that I am now staying in the artist’s apartment in Soltau for January 2026 in order to BE and work here in peace for a month.
Another important aspect was the networking, which was promoted by the support of Rainer Beuthel. Thanks to his loving care, I was able to establish contact with the Schleswig-Holstein Youth Book Week. My goal is to apply there as an author to bring literature to schools in Schleswig-Holstein and inspire pupils to read.

What else would you like to add?

A very warm thank you to Matthias, Anja and Norbert, as well as to all the people who make it possible for Otte to exist as an international scholarship location. Their dedicated work and commitment create an incomparable atmosphere for creative people. I would love to work there again, but I’m sure I’m not the only one who would like to repeat this valuable experience. Otte1 is a place that promotes inspiration and exchange, and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of this special community.