ABOUT ARTHAUS ASPEN

Arthaus Aspen was established in 2014 by Hansi Brenninger, an Australian born artist/artisan who lived in Aspen, Colorado.

A farm-boy & second generation ski instructor, Hansi grew up in a ski resort and then on a small farm in the Snowy Mountains, in New South Wales, Australia.  Hansi was exposed to many facets of farming growing up on his family's property & other neighboring farms, as well as to the building industry in both residential construction and ski lift building with his father.  This uniquely "Ozzie alpine" setting by the Snowy River in Australia's high country, triggered in Hansi a need for artistic expression beginning with a passion to photograph animals and scenes around the farm & then to create wooden frames, arthaus furniture and other sculptures using weathered & recycled materials.  "The first pieces I sold were hand crafted picture frames & mirrors using recycled, eucalyptus wooden fence posts, that had been out in the weather for 40-50 years on the land where I was raised".  

Time spent living and working in Bavaria, Austria, England and Switzerland were all very key experiences for Hansi before landing in Aspen,  Colorado in the mid 90's. Hansi & his family spent a year in Southern France which also proved to be a truly inspirational time &  thoroughly enriching experience. 

PHOTOGRAPHY-PRINTING

At a relatively young age Hansi discovered that he had a passion for the visual arts. "A camera was a fascinating device to me...it was like I had been given a 3rd eye, I began to see more than I had before...I endeavored to highlight the very rugged & arid landscape in the South eastern part of my sun-burnt homeland & as well as the more intriguing subjects I found wherever my travels took me". Self taught but with influence and guidance by Norm Gershman, Ken Bartle, Roy Toma & many other photographers works, Hansi began developing his own style over time which can now be seen in his photography.  

"The editing & printing processes are just as interesting and creative I feel, providing endless possibilities for me to share my eye, my perception & or a message".  Like photography Hansi is mostly self taught but was given valuable guidance and inspiration from artists, Ariel & John O'Brady and photographers/printers Roy Toma & Elliott Fey.

SKIING

Skiing Hansi describes, as an inner art form, rather than just a sport. "Dein Stil" translated from German means, "your own style" as it relates to skiing - Hansi developed his own "Stil" as all artists do, & loved sharing his passion for the sport with others.  Hansi worked as a ski pro at Aspen Mountain ski school for 20 years. 

Eulogy

Hansi passed away in April of 2016 doing what he loved, skiing with his then 12 year old son, Max.  His wife of 20 years, Kelley, along with both of their children, Emily and Max ,would like to carry on his amazing work.  We feel it should be shared with the world and hope it brings something special to you as there is a little piece of magic in every print.  

With much love,

Kelley, Emily and Max Brenninger

say hello: ArthausAspen@gmail.com
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