Congratulations to Israeli artist, Einat Lev Ari who has placed as a finalist in our 5th Edition!

Who are you?

I am an Israeli artist, CBT psychotherapist and art therapist. My path and development have always been parallel to art at all levels. My mother was an artist and I studied dance, design, painting, sculpture, photography, multiple techniques in art and created intensively over the years. Early on in my career, I designed rugs and one of my major works was purchased by a hotel in the country. Working as an interior designer, I designed and manufactured many pieces of furniture. I participated in art projects and my sculpture was selected for display in the Ramat Hasharon Municipality. I set up an art therapy studio in Kfar Ofarim - a hostel for older autistics. My Master’s thesis was on "Art as a Rehabilitation Tool for Oral Painters" and was submitted to MFPA - the World Organization of Oral Painters. After studying video therapy, I accompanied the “Battle Shock Victims” group from the "Yom Kippur" war for a year and together we created a therapeutic feature film.

What inspired you to begin utilizing mixed media as a medium for your work?

I use a variety of materials and techniques to express the connection between mind and art. I work mainly with acrylic paint, fabrics, yarns and assimilate prints in my paintings. I believe that artistic practice allows a symbolic realization of fantasy. Moreover, working with different genres of arts and using associations upon associations bring about a great deal of information, perspectives shedding light on an obscure truth. My works are tools of expression that enable the removal of the inner world and provide power, answers to questions and peace of mind. Through art, I convey emotions and psychological states, tensions and ambiguities of contemporary life.

What do you hope to communicate with your work?

I believe in the power of art. As more people are exposed to it, its impact will increase and connect people to situations, thoughts and feelings.

Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind "Blind Faith"?

”Blind Faith” is a painting of worshipers in front of the “Western Wall” - a wall left from the Holy Temple for the Jews. In reality, the worshipers wear black and a white "tallit", stand with Torah scrolls and pray to the wall and there is a separation between women and men.

I chose to dress the characters in colourful fabrics with prints of women. I am a secular person and respect religion and at the same time in recent years religion has entered the politics of the state and there is a polarization between the secular and the religious and many incidents of hatred. In my opinion, religion encourages people to believe without asking questions. Faith makes no sense. Belief precedes reason and it also invalidates it.

Can you explain why you choose Mixed Media as a medium for your work and voice as opposed to others?
Have you experimented with other mediums? If so, which ones and how?

I also sculpt. I shoot a lot and photography is a tool for me and not a finished product. I have always connected the mind with creativity and art and in the last year when the world had gone through big changes, I have found myself creating a lot. It is important for me that the public get to know me, that they can find a connection to their psyche through my art and that people will appreciate my art.

I use a variety of materials and techniques to express the connection between mind and art. I work mainly with acrylic paint, fabrics, yarns and assimilate prints in my paintings. I believe that artistic practice allows a symbolic realization of fantasy. Moreover, working with different genres of arts and using associations upon associations bring about a great deal of information, perspectives shedding light on an obscure truth. My works are tools of expression that enable the removal of the inner world and provide power, answers to questions and peace of mind. Through art, I convey emotions and psychological states, tensions and ambiguities of contemporary life. I believe in the power of art. As more people are exposed to it, its impact will increase and connect people to situations, thoughts and feelings.

Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your works?

Over the years I have had many attempts at effective work habits. Today art is a big part of my life and I work according to a meticulous schedule that is divided between reading and learning, exhibitions, marketing, conceptual planning and studio work. This form of work is very good for me.

Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?

My great success is that I have always set myself a measurement goal with a deadline and I have done a lot of work to reach it. Last year I wanted to be represented by a gallery through which his works would be displayed on ARTSY and ARTNET and I applied to a gallery in London that was looking to represent my works to artists and I was accepted.

What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?

These days I have finished a series of paintings "Dancers". Movement is a way for the body to combine movement with the mind. In the last two years, the world has lost its freedom. Using a movement experience makes it possible to express emotions that are difficult to give verbal expression to.

Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists/photographers, what is your advice?

Artist is a profession. If we take this seriously we can succeed. It is important to learn about art and be updated on what is happening in the world every day. Learn to market because it's the most important thing to get recognition for our art.

To view more of Einat Lev Ari’s work

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