Shop and studio travemeise

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For joy and colour in life

For more than 4 years, we have been strolling through Lübeck’s Old Town together. Behind many facades, history and creativity merge. Dedicated people continue to write the history of our city in their own individual way. I discovered this again this time during my research for the Lübeck ZWISCHENZEILEN once again. We delve into the popular Hüxstraße and open the door to the store studio travemeise in the house at number 104 to get to know the project close to the owner Sybille Benedict-Rux ‘s heart.

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when life paths take new directions

The unusual name travemeise naturally evokes associations. In many cultures, the titmouse stands for lightness, curiosity and joie de vivre. Its liveliness and ability to cope with difficult circumstances make it a symbol of adaptability and resilience. This suits Sybille Benedict-Rux perfectly. Even as a teenager, she knew that she enjoyed painting and creative work, but after leaving school she followed other paths in life where she had to adapt – like a titmouse – and find inner strength. Initially, she had the dream of dancing on the world’s stages as a ballerina and consequently began dance training, for which she moved to Lübeck. This path came to an abrupt end when osteoarthritis of the knee changed her life. Sybille had to make new plans and decided to study education, literature and psychology. This was followed by many years working in the education sector. In the meantime, her family grew and her passion from her younger years came to the fore again: drawing, illustrating and designing. She started with an online store and finally decided five years ago to offer her own works in a brick-and-mortar shop.

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A home for art and soul

Bright, friendly and clear – that’s the look of Sybille Benedict-Rux’s studio. The white-painted walls radiate calm and leave room for the essentials: the creative works, some of which are created and presented here. Complemented by simple wooden furniture, the atmosphere remains pleasantly reduced so that the treasures can take center stage. “This should be a place of lightness,” says Sybille – and the positive feedback from her guests confirms that her concept is working.

The creative space is now a permanent fixture for art lovers and those who want to become one. Sybille offers a varied portfolio of works, but her heart beats above all for watercolor painting. Patience and precision characterize this elaborate technique, in which a work of art is created layer by layer – sometimes 30 to 40 fine layers, each one a painstaking step. “It’s an intensive process,” she explains, “and sometimes I need a break to recharge my batteries.” She uses these breaks to experiment with other materials, as she describes herself as a curious and playful person.

She rarely uses digital aids. For the creative travemeise owner, working directly with her hands is an essential part of her creative work. “I love feeling the material, observing what develops from an initial idea and getting a sense of the soul of a small work of art,” she says.

Art is beautiful, but it’s a lot of work.

Karl Valentin

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All the birds are already here

Sybille Benedict-Rux always finds her inspiration in nature – in her garden at home, on walks or by the sea. There she takes a deep breath, takes photos that serve as models for her work and lets herself be guided by the details of the world around her. For Sybille, nature is not just a motif, but also a place of intense connection: “I keep realizing that we are part of nature.” This love of the environment is also evident in her work. Plants, insects and especially birds play a central role in her works with their delicate grace. And so titmice, robins, kingfishers and others on folding cards, calendars, mobiles, craft sheets, bags, coffee mugs and magnets not only bring a smile to customers’ faces, but also a piece of nature to their hearts and everyday lives.

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“Art is like a window into another world,” explains the artist. And that is exactly what travemeise is: a window that shows how colorful and lively the world can be. Now at the beginning of the year, when it is often still gray and uncomfortable outside, it is twice as much fun to embark on this journey of color and discover the magic that the little wonders of life have in store.

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written by:

Barbara Schwartz