Kate Priestley from sunbeings.org in conversation with:
Ronny Wollmann naturwandel.com and Josephine Seeger crownyourself.studio
7 Years, 6 Places, and our Unvarnished Truth of Off-Grid Living as Artists
1. How did your creative off-grid journey start? What drew you to it?
Ronny:
My journey toward alternative living and woodwork actually began in childhood. As a Waldorf kid, influenced anthroposophically by my aunt, I was always building things outside on my own - treehouses, caves, fireplaces. My first home address was even called “Tree Street.”
I was drawn to natural materials and to understanding how things actually work. Later, after experiencing a heavy burnout, I made a radical change and upcycled my first circus wagon around 2017.
Living in a small mobile structure brought me back to basics:
Space, warmth, water, fire, food, human connection.
When those elements are stable, an enormous amount of creativity and freedom can flow. Instead of constantly running inside the system, I finally had time to breathe again. From there I kept expanding my practical and artistic skills - building, repairing, working with wood, metal, stone, and clay.
Over the years I connected with many people exploring alternative living like tiny house projects, land initiatives, communities. Some were inspiring, others not so much. What I realized early is that off-grid living is not romantic escapism.
It is infrastructure: Water, electricity, waste systems, heat - if those are not stable, everything else becomes exhausting very quickly. People imagine sitting by the fire with tea. And yes I love that, but often it’s the opposite. It’s a lot of work. Basically a full-time job.
But my desire for genuine projects and meaningful encounters has never faded.
Josephine:
My „off-grid era“ started with meeting Ronny in a jump house.
By that time I was still fully immersed in Berlins underground culture, organizing performance events and just began building a giant dragon doll.
Before moving into his circus wagons in the countryside, I had spent almost two decades running shared art studios, living in community with my kalypso bigband, working as a costume designer and sometimes restoring historic fabrics and armors. I was a busy city girl.
So when I met Ronny in 2018, and soon moved into his wagon world, it felt like a homecoming into a very different rhythm of life "chopping wood, carrying water". Living closer to natural cycles. His way of being grounded me deeply. I ve never met anyone who celebrates a hot cup of tea by the fire like him. Because with him its so much more than that.
But what truly drew both of us into this journey together was also the question many people are asking right now:
What kind of life actually feels true and sustainable for a human being? Not just environmentally, but emotionally, creatively and economically. There is no point in grinding yourself merely to meet your "basic human needs". Thats a form of slavery and settling for breadcrumbs.
Yet ironically, especially in the early days, there was no electricity or plumbing. No running water for many years. Washing by hand also in winter.
We wanted time and space for ourselves, to slow down, get clear. Basically reset our internal landscapes and develop our life’s work, even if that meant little money and fewer comforts for a while.
We prefered to make outer compromises and stay true to what felt like the correct thing to do. The reactions from friends and family were actually quiet positive, but most of them said they could never live like this.
2. What places did you visit and how long did this journey last?
How did it affect you creatively as artists?
Ronny:
Since meeting each other we have moved seven times in eight years. And returned to our homeland Germany in 2024. Each place introduced a different version of land-based living, collaboration and community. Some were farms, hubs, or mobile van life situations. We also spent time on an island in different nature sanctuaries.
For me the creative influence of this way of living was about practicality.
When you live away from the city or semi-off-grid, it forces you to become inventive with materials. You develop a deep respect for resources – nothing is taken for granted. And this changes the way you create anything.
You constantly ask: What already exists here? What can be repaired instead of replaced? What can be made with what is available?
Those questions always affect my work as a builder, sculptor, structural architect.
Josephine:
My artistic work followed a very different rhythm than Ronny’s.
While he was continuously building, producing, sourcing what he loves from the forest, I entered a long phase where the „producing“ stopped. My body simply needed to rest and reset, though my mind had a difficult time accepting that shift. When we left Germany, I let go of around 95% of my costume collections and materials. That was not easy – but necessary. You wouldn‘t believe the volume of funny things I’d gathered, but eventually, our entire lives had to fit into a single van.
I realized then that my work isn‘t just about creating beautiful objects or hosting art events. It is about cultivating a deeper intimacy with the self and alchemizing the conditions for something fresh to emerge from the inside out. ( You can read more on my about page )
Those years of slowing down, and rooting deeper internally, changed everything. Crossing this threshold was a liberation, cracking me open to who I am without the constant activity. Even tho I am here to do a lot - from a place of sharing awareness and the value of what I notice in community. I guess, allowing this paradox to unfold was part of the art.
3. What strengths did you uncover living this way ?
What main challenges did you encounter in community?
Ronny:
The strenght of self-reliance. When something breaks, you fix it. When something is missing, you build it. That gives a deep sense of competence and confidence.
The strenght of self-reliance. When something breaks, you fix it. When something is missing, you build it. That gives a deep sense of competence and confidence.
Also the incredible synchronicities and encounters with people, who and what shows up when you really need help. For example, our special thanks goes to someone who selflessly paved the way for us.
It was through him that we got our van and the confidence we needed to even set out on this journey. When we moved abroad and our plans for life in this vehicle turned out very differently than we had imagined, friends invited us to visit their country and stay with them. Or when the drive shaft of our van broke on those rocky streets, literally in the middle of nowhere on the island, a highly specialized mechanic appeared out of nowhere, took the van apart, shipped the pieces across the country, and fixed it like it was nothing. There were also several beautiful women who stepped in, giving us shelter and even lending us a van to return home after we had to sell ours for the money. These kinds of experiences always stay with you as a reminder that the universe has your back. You are supported.
However, one of my biggest challenges was something all people in alternative communities have to figure out:
The relationship between ideals, sharing freely and economic reality.
We experienced beautiful intentions around exchange, gift economy and communal living. But when economic structures are unclear, I often found myself over-giving, or unconsciously depending on each other in unbalanced ways.
We learned how easily good intentions can become somewhat misled or compromised, when personalities, priorities, artistic direction or economic sustainability are not fully aligned within the group. Especially when you have various skills and are „not about the money“. It took real friction before we understood: goodwill isn't a substitute for a clear agreement - it just delays the moment the disagreement shows up."
It was through him that we got our van and the confidence we needed to even set out on this journey. When we moved abroad and our plans for life in this vehicle turned out very differently than we had imagined, friends invited us to visit their country and stay with them. Or when the drive shaft of our van broke on those rocky streets, literally in the middle of nowhere on the island, a highly specialized mechanic appeared out of nowhere, took the van apart, shipped the pieces across the country, and fixed it like it was nothing. There were also several beautiful women who stepped in, giving us shelter and even lending us a van to return home after we had to sell ours for the money. These kinds of experiences always stay with you as a reminder that the universe has your back. You are supported.
However, one of my biggest challenges was something all people in alternative communities have to figure out:
The relationship between ideals, sharing freely and economic reality.
We experienced beautiful intentions around exchange, gift economy and communal living. But when economic structures are unclear, I often found myself over-giving, or unconsciously depending on each other in unbalanced ways.
We learned how easily good intentions can become somewhat misled or compromised, when personalities, priorities, artistic direction or economic sustainability are not fully aligned within the group. Especially when you have various skills and are „not about the money“. It took real friction before we understood: goodwill isn't a substitute for a clear agreement - it just delays the moment the disagreement shows up."
3. What strengths did you uncover living this way ?
What main challenges did you encounter in community?
Ronny:
The strenght of self-reliance. When something breaks, you fix it. When something is missing, you build it. That gives a deep sense of competence and confidence.
The strenght of self-reliance. When something breaks, you fix it. When something is missing, you build it. That gives a deep sense of competence and confidence.
Also the incredible synchronicities and encounters with people, who and what shows up when you really need help. For example, our special thanks goes to someone who selflessly paved the way for us.
It was through him that we got our van and the confidence we needed to even set out on this journey. When we moved abroad and our plans for life in this vehicle turned out very differently than we had imagined, friends invited us to visit their country and stay with them. Or when the drive shaft of our van broke on those rocky streets, literally in the middle of nowhere on the island, a highly specialized mechanic appeared out of nowhere, took the van apart, shipped the pieces across the country, and fixed it like it was nothing. There were also several beautiful women who stepped in, giving us shelter and even lending us a van to return home after we had to sell ours for the money. These kinds of experiences always stay with you as a reminder that the universe has your back. You are supported.
However, one of my biggest challenges was something all people in alternative communities have to figure out:
The relationship between ideals, sharing freely and economic reality.
We experienced beautiful intentions around exchange, gift economy and communal living. But when economic structures are unclear, I often found myself over-giving, or unconsciously depending on each other in unbalanced ways.
We learned how easily good intentions can become somewhat misled or compromised, when personalities, priorities, artistic direction or economic sustainability are not fully aligned within the group. Especially when you have various skills and are „not about the money“.
It was through him that we got our van and the confidence we needed to even set out on this journey. When we moved abroad and our plans for life in this vehicle turned out very differently than we had imagined, friends invited us to visit their country and stay with them. Or when the drive shaft of our van broke on those rocky streets, literally in the middle of nowhere on the island, a highly specialized mechanic appeared out of nowhere, took the van apart, shipped the pieces across the country, and fixed it like it was nothing. There were also several beautiful women who stepped in, giving us shelter and even lending us a van to return home after we had to sell ours for the money. These kinds of experiences always stay with you as a reminder that the universe has your back. You are supported.
However, one of my biggest challenges was something all people in alternative communities have to figure out:
The relationship between ideals, sharing freely and economic reality.
We experienced beautiful intentions around exchange, gift economy and communal living. But when economic structures are unclear, I often found myself over-giving, or unconsciously depending on each other in unbalanced ways.
We learned how easily good intentions can become somewhat misled or compromised, when personalities, priorities, artistic direction or economic sustainability are not fully aligned within the group. Especially when you have various skills and are „not about the money“.
Josephine:
Cultivating emotional discernment and setting boundaries became one of my biggest lessons throughout these years. Learning to listen to my body again. Nature is the most incredible (heartcore!) teacher when it comes to truth, trust and transformation.
Everything begins as a seed, goes through phases of incubation, pressure, breakdown, rooting deeper, re-emergence and eventual flowering. It takes trust and devotion, when the fruit is not yet visible. That same process is mirrored in human relationships.
Everything begins as a seed, goes through phases of incubation, pressure, breakdown, rooting deeper, re-emergence and eventual flowering. It takes trust and devotion, when the fruit is not yet visible. That same process is mirrored in human relationships.
My creativity and way of being can be quite "confrontational".
I have a strong sensitivity for inbalances, hidden layers and power dynamics, both positive and negative. These tend to reveal themselves quickly when I enter a space. It took me a long time to recognize this "catalytic gift" as a real strength. Saying the thing that needs to be said, especially when it´s uncomfortable.
As a builder, I am naturally practical as well.
Just not the way you might expect.
Ronny:
It was funny how we tried to co-initiate art markets in the village. With all the grandmas wanting to buy our floating sculptures & crowns! (laughter) Of course nobody bought anything.
Next to all the funny moments, off-grid living definitely exposed where we were constantly cutting ourselves short.
Next to all the funny moments, off-grid living definitely exposed where we were constantly cutting ourselves short.
Josephine:
It was really frustrating. But now its actually hilarious.
This feeling of : „WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE WE DOING HERE?“
For many people Art is just a nice hobby, but its essentially who we are. I dont have time for hobbies. We are birthing a new reality.
These experiences made one thing so clear:
If you don’t know who you are and what you actually want and need, life becomes very challenging. This is true anywhere, but especially living off-grid in tribal living situations as artists.
You must face yourself. No distractions. And at the same time, you’re always on a journey of discovery.
You must face yourself. No distractions. And at the same time, you’re always on a journey of discovery.
One question turned into a real dragon:
“What is really mine to bring?” People are very close to my heart, and that’s exactly why I’ve come to realize that my role in serving the community isn’t about being constantly available, but about staying true to my own rhythm and shedding light on what can actually work in the long run. Asking better questions, tapping into the intelligence of the room, tending a fertile atmosphere, since we already carry the answers within.
4. How did off-grid living change you and your perspective about money and freedom?
Ronny:
For me these experiences showed how important it is to respect my own skills. Money was never my core motivation, but I learned that projects without fair compensation are not sustainable.
When people truly value their work, with and without money, they can contribute much more powerfully to the world. Undermining your own basic needs does not serve anyone.
Simultaniously I use limitation as a tool to achieve the best possible result through upcycling. Which is the ability to recognize the abundant potential inherent in materials and places that guides all of my work.
When people truly value their work, with and without money, they can contribute much more powerfully to the world. Undermining your own basic needs does not serve anyone.
Simultaniously I use limitation as a tool to achieve the best possible result through upcycling. Which is the ability to recognize the abundant potential inherent in materials and places that guides all of my work.
Josephine:
Freedom is not simply about leaving the system.
And living in survival mode is not a virtue.
And living in survival mode is not a virtue.
It is about becoming the version of yourself who creates new systems. Ironically that comes through recognizing what you´ve always done anyways, the natural resources you bring to any room.
I am interested in investigating questions such as:
How do we step back into circulation?
What makes our uniqueness come fully alive?
How do we build structures inside society that support beauty, creativity, economic wellbeing and authentic contribution?
I am interested in investigating questions such as:
How do we step back into circulation?
What makes our uniqueness come fully alive?
How do we build structures inside society that support beauty, creativity, economic wellbeing and authentic contribution?
Because contribution without structure or clear agreements simply leads to depletion, unwanted co-dependancies or „hippy ideology“ - even when everyone involved has good intentions. The body feels this very quickly.
There was a time when I even second guessed every brush stroke or material, wondering if the chemicals in the paint are hurting nature. But I quickly realized that rigid „eco-moralism“ is far more toxic.
5. Would you ever go back to living off-grid?
Ronny:
Yes, but in a very different way. When the infrastructure is well designed and the community roles are clear, off-grid living can be wonderful. But it requires maturity, a foundational understanding of teamwork mechanics, equal partnerships, good planning and shared resource responsibility. Otherwise the dream quickly becomes a nightmare or potent relationships get negatively effected.
Josephine:
I think its always desirable to live as autark as possible.
In cosy abundance, not in a freeze response.
6 Anything else you would like to share?
Josephine:
Trial and error is not failure. Every experience (especially the difficult ones) becomes a form of wisdom. We have to experiment with new ways of living and exchanging. And sometimes this process is messy, but also incredibly valuable.
I guess our deeper initiation was actually not about finding the perfect place and people, but about becoming more honest about who we are and what we actually want.
We are hub builders - here to pave new cultural pathways that bring different worlds together. This is what we are currently bringing into form, since returning to Germany.
www.crownyourself.studio and www.naturwandel.com
Final Words:
Ronny:
Experience is worth more than theory.
You can read many books, attend many seminars, but real understanding comes through applied action.That is how new paths are built.
To share one more moment with you I will never forget:
Showering on a crazy hot summer day with rainwater from the only available cisterna, with a dead ghekko swimming inside, which had to be hauled up with a bucket on a rope, only to be filtered again because there were hundreds of tiny red larvae in water.
Living off-grid means finding solutions to unforeseen challenges every day. You learn a lot about life in general in the process:
Cycles and patterns.
Creating value with your own hands.
Successfully transforming compost into usable new topsoil !
That money, thank goodness, isn’t everything in life. You learn how much energy you generate and need every day. How powerful , resilient, also fragile and sometimes naive we really are.
It’s a life full of contrasts. Because it’s basically what we’ve forgotten. We’ve already tied ourselves to too many things and taken them for granted. A healthy mix between “off-grid” and so-called "normal mid-class life" is, in my opinion, the key. Balancing extremes.
But generally speaking, it’s more about reconnecting with nature and reclaiming a sense of self-empowerment. Taking responsibility for oneself, one’s surroundings, and one’s fellow human beings, and building a life in harmony and appreciation.
These are the basic ingredients for something more.
Josephine:
Never loose your humor. Life is supposed to be an adventure.
Let´s make sure we all stay grounded and light enough to enjoy the flight. And if you find yourself in the dark, not knowing what comes next - that's usually exactly when the root is forming, to hold you strong, when things pop off.
„A new yes. A first rock.
A flaming heart and a luminous spirit.
You are the one you have been looking for.
The new yes. The first rock.“
poem by Viola Livera
Our special thank you goes out to:
Oracle Girl, Karina Apolonia Trip, Tad Hargrave, Elaira Flow.