At Aeris, we think beyond the desk when it comes to our products. Because even outside of traditional office spaces, it's clear that active sitting changes the way we work and how new ideas are generated.
When working in her studio, the artist Vera Helene prefers to sit on her Aeris Swopper. We wanted to know what inspires her in her profession, how movement shapes her everyday life, and why active sitting has become indispensable for her and her work.
Art as a way of life
From an early age, Vera Helene was fascinated by the world of painting and its various colors and shapes. This passion was influenced above all by her father and grandfather. The latter took her to art exhibitions at a young age, which they viewed and discussed together. Her father, on the other hand, was a landscape painter with a love of detail and also Vera Helene's mentor, teacher, and companion:
„He showed me techniques, encouraged me, and always supported me in finding my own path in art.“
The artist Vera Helene Zieglmeier in her art studio.
These early influences shaped not only her artistic technique, but also her attitude toward the world. Vera thus completed a comprehensive education in fine and design arts.
„Art has always been my calling—I've never done anything else professionally“, she says today with a matter-of-factness based on a wealth of experience.
For many years now, the artist has been working internationally as a freelance stylist for fashion, advertising, and film productions. She is also active in photo design and has already designed fashion shop concepts for major fashion fairs.
When work and life become one
Artistic work cannot be compared to a traditional job that you start in the morning and finish after eight hours. "Art is more than work", says Vera Helene. She describes her profession more as an interplay of „breathing, expression, language, and being“. There is no clear separation between work and life - so here we can´t speak about a typical work-life balance as we understand it in in the traditional sense. Art is not temporary work, but rather a life of expression and creativity.
What is everyday life like for an artist?
Vera's first impulse in the morning has always been exercise. Her day usually begins with a 10km jog, during which she can let her thoughts run free. She intensely perceives the world around her, gathering impressions, colors, and moods—inspiration as she runs by.
After a cup of cappuccino and muesli for breakfast, a walk through the garden provides a mental outlook on the further development of her work."I let my thoughts drift, which really inspires my creativity.“ she says. With renewed energy and fresh images in her mind, she then heads to the studio to transfer her inspiration onto canvas in color and continue working on her current paintings.
Vera's greatest passion is oil painting, which she uses to focus on the expression of human personality: „Human beings are a mystery to me, and I am fascinated by the idea of making their personalities and emotions visible.“
✨🎨Vera Helene's sources of inspiration
In addition to her father, who is her greatest direct inspiration and role model, Vera Helene is also impressed by a wide variety of artists from the past and present: „David Bowie, David Kassan, and Mark Thompson from the USA impress me with their expressiveness.“ From her hometown of Nuremberg, she is particularly fascinated by Albrecht Dürer, but also by Caravaggio with his dramatic use of light.
Art that keeps moving: the Aeris Swopper as a creative partner in everyday working life
For Vera Helene, one thing is clear: creativity needs dynamism.
„For me as an artist, standing still is the biggest block to creativity, and the Swopper allows me to work dynamically at the canvas.“
In order to work creatively, Vera Helene considers a bright workplace with sufficient space for movement to be most important.
The Aeris Swopper found its way into Vera's studio when she was looking for a work stool that would support her creativity and get her moving. It has been an integral part of her studio since early 2025. The maximum freedom of movement that the Swopper allows was particularly important to her. Sitting, half standing, turning, opportunities to change perspective—all without interrupting the creative flow.
„My posture is straighter, I no longer sit slouching on normal chairs like I used to, and I can move freely. Back pain is a thing of the past.“
In addition to mobility, the practical aspects of the work stool also played a decisive role: it was particularly important to the artist to have a model with casters that would allow her to move effortlessly between her work cart for mixing oil paints and her canvas:
„This allows me to remain flexible and fluid in my work without losing energy.“
As a work stool with casters, the Aeris Swopper offers maximum freedom of movement when working in the studio.
Over time, the Swopper has even become a real all-rounder for Vera. To unwind after a long day in the studio, she likes to use the Swopper as a training device by lying face down on the seat and doing exercises with dumbbells.
„I must admit that I am not only practically but also emotionally in love with this chair.“
For Vera, the Swopper is much more than just a piece of furniture. She describes it as her creative tool, which enriches her everyday working life, strengthens her back, and supports her creativity. For Vera, active working does not simply mean physical activity, but rather „bringing the body, mind, and emotions into harmony.“. Exercise keeps her flexible, supports her creativity, and gives her the lightness she needs for her artistic creative process.
Vera Helene's journey is a living example of how creativity is at its strongest when we have the courage to set ourselves in motion. Finally, we asked the artist what she wishes for herself and others in terms of the art of creative work:
"I hope to continue creating authentic, moving art that inspires people. For others, I hope they find the courage to live out their creativity and create spaces for themselves where they can flourish."
👀 We are looking for you!
Do you also have a job where you sit on an Aeris chair and which is anything but a typical office job? Would you like to share your story here??
Then feel free to send us a message at online@aeris.de with the subject line “Moving Professions”!
...And if your story becomes part of our journey, you may soon have another Aeris product in your home.💌
