Heart-Originating Stones Unveiled

In the heart of Düsseldorf, a unique project is bringing a smile to many faces. Kirsten Ihde-Schnarr, a 57-year-old artist, has taken up a peculiar hobby - painting intricate designs on stones and placing them along the Rhine.

Ihde-Schnarr finds her stones along the riverbank and also purchases some online. She stores her collection on her balcony before designing them, ensuring each stone is unique and ready for its journey. For beginners, a smooth stone surface is essential for painting.

Ihde-Schnarr uses colored pencils and a final layer of protective clear lacquer for her paintings. Her designs often feature Düsseldorf's Rhine bridges, lighthouses, flowers, and Mainzelmännchen, the city's famous gnome-like figures.

The stones, once painted, are later placed in public spaces by the group "RheinSteine," which has over 1,800 members. The founders of this group, Silke and Thomas, started this project with the aim of bringing joy to those who find the vibrantly colored stones.

When a finder photographs and posts a stone's location in the group's Facebook page, enthusiastic reactions ensue. Members present their painted stones to fellow members, sharing the joy of discovery. Some of these painted stones have even traveled to countries like Spain and Portugal.

Ihde-Schnarr was inspired by the group "ElbStones," a similar project from Hamburg, and their practice of laying painted stones back in public spaces for others to find. Many are inspired by the "RheinSteine" project and join the group, contributing their own painted stones to the collection.

The group, initially known as "RheinStone," has recently changed its name to "RheinSteine," reflecting the collective nature of the project. Some members of the group have started painting stones themselves, adding to the diversity of designs found along the Rhine.

Children and seniors are among those who often discover the vibrantly colored stones. The appeal of the project is fulfilled when a stone is found and its journey continues, bringing a moment of joy and surprise to those who find it. Ihde-Schnarr finds joy in seeing stones she's designed being found by others, making her hobby a labour of love and community spirit.