'I realized I could do whatever I want — and I chose art' | Ruben Tönnis Timestamp

Ruben Tönnis is an artist whose work grows out of lived experience, curiosity, and an ongoing negotiation between structure and chaos. Based in Germany, Ruben approaches painting not as a fixed identity but as a practice shaped by time, discipline, doubt, and self-discovery. His path into art was not linear — it developed gradually, through experimentation, reflection, and a growing need to understand himself through making. In this conversation, Ruben speaks openly about how creativity became a way to process life rather than escape it. He reflects on the early moments when art began to feel meaningful, the uncertainty that comes with choosing a creative path, and the slow process of building confidence in one’s own voice. Rather than chasing a defined style, Ruben describes learning to stay present with the work and allowing intuition to guide his decisions. His paintings emerge from a balance between intention and letting go. Throughout the interview, Ruben returns to the idea that painting is not about control or perfection, but about attention — listening to what the work asks for and responding honestly. He talks about the tension between discipline and freedom, structure and spontaneity, and how those opposites shape both his studio practice and his personal growth. In this Timestamp episode, we explore how Ruben navigates self-doubt, comparison, and the pressure to define himself as an artist in a constantly shifting cultural landscape. He shares how showing up consistently, working through uncertainty, and accepting periods of confusion have been essential parts of his development. Rather than chasing external validation, his focus has shifted toward building a sustainable relationship with making itself. The conversation also touches on identity, authenticity, and the difficulty of separating artistic work from the self. Ruben reflects on how art can become a mirror — revealing internal states, contradictions, and questions that don’t always have clear answers. His approach embraces ambiguity and imperfection, allowing meaning to unfold over time rather than forcing resolution. --- Explore More from Ruben's work here: 🌐 Artist website: https://rubentoennis.online/ 📸 Instagram:   / ruben.toe   Music provided by Josh Schuback: https://engineears.com/josh.schuback -- Filmed and produced by Timestamp — documenting artists, ideas, and creative lives around the world. Timestamp is an arts education organization dedicated to bringing the contemporary art world to a global audience. We create a documentary series that goes beyond the artwork to explore the minds and practices of contemporary artists around the world. Through intimate, cinematic interviews and immersive visuals, we document the personal philosophies, studio rituals, and emotional landscapes that shape the art of our time, creating a vital educational resource for all. To continue this mission and keep this educational content accessible, we rely on the generosity of donations and sponsorships. Your support directly funds the production of these insightful films, ensuring the next generation of artists and enthusiasts can learn from the masters of today. — Want to support Timestamp? Donate here! https://buymeacoffee.com/mgmttimestz — Read the full story here: https://timestamp-art.com/ruben-tonnis/ — Timestamp - Interviews with the art world. Website: https://timestamp-art.com/ Instagram:   / time____stamp   TikTok:   / time____stamp   Learn more: https://beacons.ai/time____stamp Listen to Timestamp interviews on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/show/76yZVdQ... — Help support Timestamp (we're an Amazon Associate) when you buy art supplies with our affiliate links (we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you): Painting Supplies Shop for Oil Paint: https://amzn.to/43UkZLA Shop for Acrylic Paint: https://amzn.to/49mSuYJ Shop for Canvas: https://amzn.to/4nG9q1I Shop for Brushes: https://amzn.to/4nJQJdQ — #RubenTönnis #ArtistInterview #Timestamp