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The pictures of the 86-year-old art novice Gisela Schiel alias “Kalchie” are in demand at renowned galleries around the world.
She is a phenomenon on the global art market – at 86 years old. Gisela Schiel, born in a time when women subordinated themselves to family responsibilities, proved what many only dare to hope: it is never too late to make a dream come true.
Legend:
Artist “Kalchie” in front of one of her works.
SRF/Faces & Stories
Without years of honed artistic craft under his belt, Schiel, alias “Kalchie,” achieved his international breakthrough at the age of 85. Today her pictures are sold in renowned galleries for up to 15,500 francs.
Stifled art ambitions
Before Schiel allowed herself to give space to her creative side, she led a life that was shaped by family and social expectations. Her mother nipped in the bud her youthful ambitions that led her to the theater stage and to art school.
In the uncertain times of war, she was supposed to learn “a real profession.” Her apprenticeship as a hairdresser was followed by an early marriage that took her from Koblenz am Rhein to Basel, where she settled with her young family.
Legend:
“Solar Storm”
An oil painting by “Kalchie” from 2019.
www.kalchie.com
Only after the death of her husband and the subsequent phase of self-discovery did “Kalchie” – a combination of her middle name Clara and her last name Schiel – devote herself completely to painting.
The now 86-year-old wields her brush mainly at night, forgetting both the time and any tiredness.
Creativity as a source of strength
Schiel herself describes the fact that she can spend hours in front of the screen without feeling tired as a mysterious phenomenon. And only get up when the work is finished.
Legend:
Gisela Schiel aka “Kalchie”.
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In a world characterized by youth madness and fast-paced life, Gisela Schiel’s story impressively conveys that personal development knows no age.