What is the best thing that I love about my work?
I’m a mouth painting artist at the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists Association (https://vdmfk.com/en/), which is an international organization (~800 artists located in ~80 countries) facilitating the sale of artwork produced by mouth and foot painting artists. I love the flexibility and variety my work allows me – I can work independently at my own pace and vary between the different things I do. One day I can be an artist, the next – a children’s books writer and the other – an inspirational lecturer. I specifically love the freedom and independence creating art allows me.
Video article about our association and myself on i24 News
What is my idea of happiness?
Happiness for me is getting satisfaction and joy from what I do and have. I’m happy when I create a new painting, I’m happy when I overcome a challenge and I’m especially happy when my son is happy 🙂
What is my greatest fear?
To lose someone I love.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
Sometimes it’s harder for me to get out of my comfort zone and I wish it were easier.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
I really appreciate the work of Vladimir Volegov, the impressionist artist.
What is my greatest extravagance?
Eating chocolate dessert till my stomach explodes. 🙂
On what occasion would I lie?
Probably when I’m convinced of the lie itself.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
In the creation process, I don’t really like the stage where you start applying the first layer of colors to a new sketch (the Under-painting). It sometimes feel too technical to me. But without that stage, it wouldn’t be possible to eventually get to painting the details, which is my favorite part 🙂 Other than that I just hate that I don’t have more time for painting and generally more than 24 hours a day…
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
Definitely when my first children’s book was published! And of course – every time my work gets recognition in public. Additionally, every time I complete a painting to my satisfaction I’m as happy as can be.
Video of myself painting a recent painting:
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I’d like to be more daring and be more able to get out of my comfort zone.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
There are several achievements: When I was prompted to an Associate Member in the MFPA; the publishing of my two children’s books: https://www.nettaganor.com/children-s-books; holding solo exhibitions in my city’s Municipality Building and at the Artists House in Tel Aviv, and starting to display my work in exhibitions abroad.
Where would I most like to live?
I’m happy just where I am, but I’d be happier if I one day could afford having a summer house somewhere in classic Europe.
What is my most treasured possession?
When I was a young girl I used to make handcrafted miniatures. Following my spinal cord injury, I lost all motor function in my hands, so these miniatures became my most precious possession, along with my artwork.
What is my most marked characteristic?
Those who know me say I’m particularly patient and kind.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
There are a few: my city’s wheelchair-accessible beach, where I can get quite close to the water, the Hebrew Garden and Leaders Park near my house. The last two are the most beautiful, wide open and accessible parks in my city, where I can take a walk, enjoy the urban nature and be inspired.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?
Story Garden Cafe inside the Hebrew Garden.
What books influenced my life and how?
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery – my favorite book series in my early teens; Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden – a book that taught me about resilience and perseverance; Beware of Pity by Stefan Zweig – this book has stayed with me for a long time. It showed me how guilt and shame could lead to terrible consequences if you let them take over, but also made realize how far we’ve come as a society in terms of accepting those who are different than us and in terms of acknowledging that people with disabilities have emotions and desires as anyone else does.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
Probably music I grew on from the 90’s. There’s nothing like nostalgia to make you feel at ease.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
There isn’t anyone in particular.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
My whole supportive family is – especially my mother. She stood by me throughout my entire rehabilitation period, never left my hospital bed and together with my father kept me highly motivated and fought my fights for me against the unjust system.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
Forest Gump. A remarkable movie that shows you how someone with an IQ of 75 can see the world far clearer than most people.
What role plays art in my life and work?
Art is an integral part of my life. Far beyond occupation and income – it’s passion, therapy and independence.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
I partially agree with that saying and I think my life events prove it’s not necessarily so – I could never imagine I would one day become paralyzed from the neck down within less than an hour – that is why I think it would be more right to say you are the co-author of your life together with… fate. Having said that, I do believe you are in charge of your own life and what you do with the cards you are dealt is completely up to you.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My partner in crime is my beloved boyfriend, Eyal. Hopefully he’s my greatest fan, too 😉 And luckily I am my own sponsor!
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020?
I don’t have any specific ones at the moment but I’d like to work with high quality curators and galleries, both locally and abroad.
Which people in my profession who can make a real difference in my creative career would i love to meet in 2020?
I would love to meet Vladimir Volegov and see him paint, live.
What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on?
I’m looking forward to completing my third children’s book (both writing and illustrating) and seeing it published in early 2021. I’m also looking forward to start working on a new project I’ve been planning for some time now, in which I’m going to portray my motherhood in a series of paintings; a motherhood that’s extremely challenging due to my severe physical disability.
Where can you see me or my work in 2020?
Well, just before the coronavirus outbreak, a solo exhibition of mine was hung in the Rishon Letziyyon Municipality Building, and is going to be displayed through May and probably June. I’m planning to hold additional solo exhibitions and supposed to take part in several group exhibitions later this year, but that depends on the coronavirus situation and related restrictions.
Other than that you can visit my website: http://www.nettaganor.comand see my recent artwork there or follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nettaganor/ or
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gnetta.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
I think these words are part of the definition of what I do. I think art is one of the fewest occupations one never retires from. Art cannot exist without passion.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
- Mirale Aharoni, my first inspiration to mouth painting.
- Nirit Ovadia, an extremely talented hyperrealist artist, but her story has already been told in this blog 🙂
How can you contact me?
Via my website: http://www.nettaganor.com, my email gnetta@gmail.com, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nettaganor/
or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gnetta.
Here follows a message of Peter de Kuster, founder of The Heroine’s Journey
Are you a creative leader or creative professional looking to develop your business skills and storytelling?
Amidst today’s uncertainty, it is more important than ever to reconnect with yourself and others, develop your creative business, and build your story. Dive deep into your unique business style and areas for growth with the coaching of Peter de Kuster.
IS THE HEROINE’S JOURNEY COACHING FOR YOU?
You are a creative leader or creative professional who is interested in developing yourself, your business, and your story.
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You are aware that there are no quick fixes. Learning is a journey that works when you are fully committed to it. Coaching can bring awareness and help you navigate, but in the end it’s you who is in charge of your growth.
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You want to learn more about how to resource yourself, learn about blind spots, and get feedback.
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You are curious and want to engage in online learning.
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You are motivated to work in-between sessions on yourself (e.g. working on homework assignments that will help you develop new storytelling, skills, and behaviors).
WHAT’S YOUR COACHING QUESTION?
The Heroine’s Journey Coaching is all about your development. To make the most out of your sessions, we ask you to prepare topics to work on with Peter. These topics can serve as a starting point for further in-depth exploration with Peter.
These coaching topics typically resonate with the creative leaders Peter works with:
How can i tell the most powerful story possible about myself and my creative business?
How can I handle self promotion and marketing of my creative business better?
How do can I stay authentic and with focus when having difficult conversations with potential clients?
What are my creative values and how do I align these with my business values?
How can I manage my time and energy better?
How can I radiate confidence to my clients while feeling anxious inside?
How can I steer myself towards creative excellence without becoming rigid?
About Peter de Kuster
Peter de Kuster is the founder of The Heroine’s Journey & Hero’s Journey project, a storytelling firm which helps creative professionals to create careers and lives based on whatever story is most integral to their lives and careers (values, traits, skills and experiences). Peter’s approach combines in-depth storytelling and marketing expertise, and for over 20 years clients have found it effective with a wide range of creative business issues.
Peter is writer of the series The Heroine’s Journey and Hero’s Journey books, he has an MBA in Marketing, MBA in Financial Economics and graduated at university in Sociology and Communication Sciences.
PRICING
The Heroine’s Journey Coaching online sessions last 50 minutes and the fee is Euro 189 excluding VAT per session. The Heroine’s Journey Coaching is suitable for people at any stage in their career.
FAQ
Who can sign up for The Heroine’s Journey online coaching?
Creative leaders and creative professionals who wish to improve their business story and develop their business skills and mindset.
Should I choose 1:1 coaching?
Our The Heroine’s Journey experiences in world cities allow you to learn not only from the coach but also from your peers. For the small group coaching (1 – 4 people), we have selected important, relevant topics that we find regularly come up for creative professional: purpose, storytelling, creative confidence, self promotion, time & money and resilience.
If you would prefer to work alone or on a different topic, individual coaching is a better fit for you.
What language do we speak in the coaching sessions?
English.
Can I buy coaching for my organization?
Yes, you can! We support many organizations around the world with their coaching needs. Please contact us for more information.
Can I bring my own topics?
Yes, for individual coaching you get to choose your own topic.
Are coaching sessions confidential?
Yes. Peter will not share anything that is discussed in the coaching sessions.
Where will the coaching sessions take place?
Sessions will take place online (as per the times we live in) via an online tool like Zoom or Skype. Peter will let you know.
How do I sign up?
Send Peter a mail to theherojourneyquestionnaires@gmail.com to start booking your coaching sessions.
How do I pay?
After you send the mail, you will receive an email with a link to pay.
How do I book and reschedule sessions?
Once we’ve received your payment, Peter will contact you and book your coaching sessions. He will also support you with rescheduling sessions if needed.
What is your cancellation policy?
Individual coaching sessions can be postponed up to one week before the session.
The Heroine's Journey 