Doris Duschelbauer’s life is a testament to the transformative power of art and the deep connections you can build when you find your true home. Originally from Germany, Doris has spent the last 26 years of her life in Mallorca, where she has found not only inspiration for her art but also a vibrant community that has become her family.
Finding home in Mallorca
Doris’s journey to Mallorca wasn’t planned. She had lived in Canada and Hamburg before, always searching for a place that felt like home. A chance connection through an advertising agency brought her to the island, and what started as a temporary stay quickly turned into a lifelong commitment. “I never thought of going to Mallorca,” Doris recalls. But after considering moving to distant places like South America or returning to Canada, she realized Mallorca offered the right balance. “I wanted to be closer to my family, and Mallorca was the perfect solution.”
Her early days on the island were filled with opportunities and a sense of belonging. “I had a nice start and I was really happy. I feel like, wow, things are coming to me,” she says. Building her studio and connecting with local artists, Doris found a creative haven where she could truly express herself.
The Evolution of Mallorca’s Art Scene
Reflecting on her early years in Mallorca, Doris remembers a time when the art scene was thriving. “It was a booming time, art was really flowing,” she explains. Back then, connecting with galleries was a more personal experience. “A gallerist would come to you and say, ‘I love your stuff, let’s work together.’ It was a good time for artists.”
However, as the years passed, Doris noticed changes in the art world. The rise of the internet and social media has made it easier for artists to showcase their work globally, but it has also placed more pressure on them. “Now you have to do everything yourself,” Doris notes. The support once provided by galleries has diminished, leaving artists to navigate the complexities of self-promotion and online sales. “You can get lost in this jungle of offers,” she warns.
Despite these challenges, Doris has adapted, using platforms like Saatchi Art and Artfinder to reach a global audience. “I have clients all over the world now, and that’s the fun part,” she says, embracing the new opportunities while acknowledging the added responsibilities.
A Community of Creatives
One of the most rewarding aspects of Doris’s life in Mallorca has been the sense of community she has found among fellow artists. She is a member of “Ouverd,” a group of 30 artists who support one another and exhibit together. “I found a family, an art family,” Doris says with warmth. This community has provided her with both personal and professional support, helping her navigate the evolving art scene.
Doris recognizes that while the Spanish art circles can be challenging to penetrate, the friendships and collaborations she has formed over the years have been invaluable. “I know a lot of very open-minded artist friends, and I love this community,” she shares.
Looking to the Future
As she reflects on the future of Mallorca’s art scene, Doris is hopeful. She sees potential for more art fairs and cultural events on the island, which could attract both tourists and locals. “Mallorca is a nice creative place, so I think there’s still space for a lot of other artists,” she says optimistically.
As the island continues to change, Doris finds peace in her cozy corner of Mallorca. “I’m really sitting on my nice little island,” she says. “Sometimes I go to see family in Germany or friends in Canada, but I’m not a travel person anymore. I’m so happy here. I feel like, why should I go? They can come and visit me.”
Doris Duschelbauer’s story is one of finding a place where she could truly thrive as an artist. Her journey from Germany to Mallorca is a reminder that sometimes, the perfect place isn’t something you plan for—it’s something you discover along the way.
Text by Dasha Bikmansurova
