What is the best thing that I love about my work?

I like the idea of ​​creating something from scratch. Creating a work that is unique to me, with my personal imprint. Starting from the idea through the process of conceptualizing and execution, towards final stage, similar to a birth…

What is my idea of happiness?

Happiness for me is doing things I love and being with my beloved people. It is getting up energized in the morning towards a new day, while doing meaningful things and keep up continuous growth.

What is my greatest fear?

My greatest fear is losing my independence, freedom and ability to do what I love and being with my beloved people.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

While considering the balance between emotion and intellect in my personality, I suspect that emotion is too dominant. I often allow emotion to take control and affect my moves, however, it may serve my art and make it more expressive.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?

David Kassan is an American portrait painter, who has taken on the task of commemorating Holocaust survivors by painting those who are still alive. I consider this an especially important mission, in light of the fact that over the years they are aging and passing away. David Kassan donates them with eternal life through painting their portraits.

I also greatly respect Aleah Chapin, an artist who paints nude older women or those whose body was “damaged” through illness. This is particularly important in light of the fact that we live in a world worshiping beauty and youth. The concept of beauty acquires a different meaning in art.

What is my greatest extravagance?

I have no extravagances.

On what occasion would I lie?

I generally believe in truth.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

Within my artwork, I mostly don’t like to feel that I could achieve better results. It comes from my sense of perfectionism, the desire I have for perfection, and the difficulty of satisfying myself with doing something less than perfect.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

The happiest moment of my work was at an event marking the International Holocaust Day in Milan in January 2019. The artwork I intentionally created for this event consisted of two paintings: my grandmother’s hands painting and a surrounding frame painting. A translucent inner frame appeared in the space between the hands painting and the frame painting, through which one could see through the piece. My work was displayed near the gallery window, through which the view of Milan’s piazza and the magnificent Duomo were reflected. During the ceremony, I was very excited to see this spectacular sight reflected through the transparent frame. My grandmother’s, Holocaust survivor hands combined with one of the most impressive architectural structures in the world made me feel the inherent magnitude of art.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

I’d like to be prouder of my artworks and also enthusiastic about them, similar to others that watch them. It gives me a wonderful feeling to receive others’ praise reviews about my artworks, however I rarely feel the same as they do.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

The greatest achievement is a project I initiated named “Road Story“ in which artists create when inspired by the stories of road accident victims or by their families. I was able to recruit top-notch artists, and connected each to either someone who was injured in a car accident, or to family members who experienced a loss. The project will culminate in an exhibition where all artworks will be displayed. As the project progressed, I realized how successful I was. In addition to raising awareness and conveying messages that contribute to fight against road accidents, I was excited to find out again and again how delighted the victims and their families were from perpetuating their personal story through artworks. I believe that harnessing art for a meaningful purpose is particularly a great achievement.

Where would I most like to live?

I love the quietness of where I live. Similar to a village, I wake up in the morning with the birds chirping. On the other hand, my house is close to entertainment, shopping, bars and restaurants spots.

What is my most treasured possession?

My beloved family members are the real treasure I possess. I know they will always be there for me.

What is my most marked characteristic?

What mostly characterizes me is the quest for beauty and goodness of everything, be it the beauty of scenery and nature around me, or that of human nature. The same goes for things that are not usually considered beautiful. For example, I notice the beauty of the bark of an ancient tree trunk, or the grace and nobility of wisdom and pain on the wrinkled face of an old man.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

The sea is the most inspiring place in my neighborhood. This is true for when the sea is calm and even when stormy, it has a great power that seeps inside. The feeling of infinite and far horizon…

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?

The wine bar named “Cantina Sociale”, located on Mount Carmel, is my favorite place to spend time, eat and drink. I love the intimate atmosphere, the wonderful music, the Italian cuisine and of course the excellent wine.

What books influenced my life and how?

As an artist, I particularly love Dominic Bone’s “Brothers of Desire” biography, based on the true story of Paul Claudel and his sister Kami. Kami was a great artist, one of the greatest sculptors of all time. Her intense love for the work merged with her love for the famous sculptor Rodin.

Her passion for clay material begins in her childhood at the village: “Kami is slipping into the imaginary forms she casts in the material … with an instinct that trusts what she loves and an insatiable appetite … The baptism of hands with the same soft and rogue substance that she caresses and kneads and also has to fight against … Kami loves the land not as a peasant, but as a lover”.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

I really like the ‘Queen’ music.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

My heroine in fiction is Mulan, a brave and determined character who utilizes her creativeness to achieve her desire.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

True heroes to me are those who ‘giving‘ is an integral part of their lives.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?

I recommend the Italian film “The Magic of Youth”, being an exciting experience for me. It tells the story of an Italian family between the late 60s and present. At the center is the story of two brothers who are soul mates in light of important events in Italy’s history.

What role plays art in my life and work?

I see art in everything that comes through my way. I am constantly in search of the story behind everything I see, in the quest to perpetuate it through painting. The process of painting is also a journey into my inner world. On one hand it is a form of meditation and on the other it is the fuel that drives me.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?

I believe that while we have no control over what is going on in our world, both at the macro level and within our personal world, we certainly have the choice as to the direction and way in which our own lives will progresses.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My eternity partner and friend is my husband.

Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020? 

In 2020, I would love to work with people who will advance my ambition to grow and develop as an artist. I would be happy to take part in projects that embrace the art of conveying important messages and promoting meaningful goals. I’d love to meet people who have the desire to join me on a collaborative journey.

Which people in my profession who can make a real difference in my creative career would i love to meet in 2020? 

I’d love to meet people in the world of art who believe in my art style. Among those I’d to specifically mention Mr. Dubi Shif, one of the leading private art collectors in Israel.

What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on?

The next goal I intend to achieve during 2020 is a project consisting of artists, who create artworks inspired by people’s life stories around a unique theme. The culmination of the project will be through an exhibition where artworks will be displayed.

Where can you see me or my work in 2020?

You may see me working in my studio, located on the far side of my house. My artwork can be viewed on my Facebook artist’s page and through exhibitions I periodically present. Obviously, due to the uncertain global situation, no one can guarantee when we can get back to normal life.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

My love for painting is like a fire that stirs and is empowered by every little breeze. Anything I see, a piece of landscape or an experience I have gone through, ignites my passion to translate them into line, stain and color.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? 

Mirit Piraz Breiter and Karen Gilerman are both significantly contributing to various projects that support the community.

How can you contact me?

I can be reached through the following options:

Email: niritova@gmail.com

Mobile: +972 546706891

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nirit.ovadia.9

Here follows a message of Peter de Kuster, founder of The Heroine’s Journey