What is the best thing that I love about my work? My favorite thing about my artistic work is that it gives me relaxation and it gives me energy for my daily life. Sculpture and the painting trigger my imagination and creativity and through it, I express myself. The
possibility of taking a clay block that becomes a tangible object is wonderful to me. The same goes for painting, white and empty canvas becomes figures and landscapes and other things.

What is my idea of happiness? Happiness to me is to get up in the morning and give thanks for what is there, to see that my family and those who are dear to me are healthy and happy. My happiness is great when I see my students achieve and progress. When others are happy, it affects me and makes me happy. Happiness for me is fulfilling myself, my dreams and doing things I love.

What is my greatest fear? My great fear is directly related to my definition of happiness, which means that I am terrified of not being able to do what I love, and not
fulfilling myself. My big fear is that something bad will happen to someone in my family,
to my relatives and friends. In addition, there is the fear of global things, especially now that concerns me, during the outbreak of the Corona virus and its impact on what is
happening in the world, and especially on the generation of adults.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? The trait I like less about me is the tendency to perfection. In the past, it was more exaggerate. Today, after many years of effort and self-work, this feature is no longer dominant in me. Of course, it exists, but to a lesser extent, that does not bother me and does not frustrate me as it used to.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? My inspiration is derives from two artists, both are engaged in painting and sculpture. The two areas in which I am engage as well. The first is Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese artist, born in 1929. Her works are varied. They cover various fields of art, such as painting, collages, sculpture and representations, that combine movement and visual media together. She is one of the greatest Japanese pop art artists, recognized as the most important living artist in Japan. What I admire about her is that Kusama did not stop to create art in spite of her mental illness. She rather creates from her studio, located in the Tokyo Psychiatric Hospital. The other artist is the contemporary figurative sculptor Lorenzo Quinn –
born in 1966 (the son of actor Anthony Quinn), who now lives in Barcelona, Spain. Quinn began to practice art as a painter, later moving to the field of sculpture. His monumental public art displayed in various parts of the world and smaller, more intimate works convey his passion for eternal values and authentic emotions. His sculpture works are inspiring and he is most concerned with environmental issues, and conservation of the planet. I love the hands he sculptures. Lorenzo’s words about the hands that symbolize the power we have as humans to influence our lives and the people around us: “The hand holds so much power: the power to love, create, hate and destroy.”

What is my greatest extravagance? I am not a naturally an extravagant person. My life is rather on the mainstream path throughout my career.

On what occasion would I lie? I am a straight person and since childhood, I was educated on the saying: “The truth is the best lie.” In Judaism, there is also a well-known proverb: “Lying has no legs,” which means that lying has no basis, and so it will eventually emerge. As a human being, if I made a mistake or lie, I will regret it.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I dislike few things about my artistic work. I love the possibility of artistic creation.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? In general, I am very pleased when I manage to create something out of nothing, as well as when I invest a lot of energy and effort into my work, and I get professional recognition, exhibiting at exhibitions and galleries and when people purchase my work. The happiest moments in my work was when my works exhibited in international exhibitions, in Poland and in Russia.

If I could, what would I change about myself? I think I would change the fear of uncertainty. Apparently, most people do not like being in such a situation, everyone responds differently. For me, such a situation creates stress and pressure.

What is my greatest achievement in work? I believe that art is a first-rate healing and expression tool. I practice art since many years, but my formal career for 33 years has
been in education. My significant accomplishments were when I directed a school for children with special needs. I initiated the erection of four large mosaic-coated sculptures (Gaudi-style) in the schoolyard, a huge mosaic wall in front of the school (3 meters long, 2 meters high), all made in cooperation by the students and staff. In addition, we presented an exhibition of the student’s art works once a month. The art itself, as well as the process the students underwent caused a significant change.

Where would I most like to live? I was born in Jerusalem and I live in Kfar Sava, a city in central Israel, near Tel Aviv. I love Jerusalem very much, but it has become a very
religious city. I love my life the city I live in.

What is my most treasured possession? My most treasured possession is my nuclear and extended family. The family gives me a lot of strength, love, joy and satisfaction.

What is my most marked characteristic? There is a well-known proverb in Hebrew that says’: “The baker doesn’t testifies regarding his dough…” Although it is difficult for a person to testify regarding himself… I can say that the feature that characterizes me the most is my constant will to help others. I think that because of this trait, I chose my career in the education profession, especially working with children with special needs.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? I live near the city of Tel Aviv, where many places inspire me, as an artist, such as museums and galleries. In Kfar Sava, There is a large, beautiful park where huge statues are located. It is pleasant to walk around the park, to see the trees and flowers and the beautiful sculptures. It is a wonderful place for nature photography and painting.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? In Kfar Sava, I like to eat falafel and shawarma in a small restaurant close to our home, downtown. “Center of Glory” is the name of the place. This is popular, cheap and tasty Israeli food.

What books influenced my life and how? The book that most influenced me is George Orwell’s 1984. I first read the book when I was in high school (in the 70’s) and have read it several times since. Every time, when Google and Facebook follow us and when different parties record the conversations with us, it reminds me of this book. Every time I see, that George Orwell was right and that private life is already completely public. It is amazing to think that a book written in 1948, even before I was born, is still relevant to this day. The great fear of over-involvement of government in the ordinary civilian life, as described in the book and represented by the “Big Brother” also exists today, whenever there is a fear that a state or society is collecting too much information about
citizens. In that sense, Orwell was ahead of his time, as the realization that “knowledge is power” and the fear of being misused. As an artist and a creator, maintaining privacy, freedom of thought and creativity are important to me.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? I would listen to Leonard Cohen’s songs that I love so much.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? My literary hero is Guttel from the wonderful historical novel and award winning Israeli author Sarah Aharoni who lives in Kfar Sava and I know her personally. The book “The Love of Mrs. Rothschild” translated into
several languages. This book based on an in-depth historical investigation that tells of Meir, the founder of the Rothschild family who fell in love with Guttel, married her and started a family with her. Guttel has written diaries since she was a girl until she died at the age of 96 in 1849. The writer brings in Guttel’s voice. At the time, women’s voices were not hear, but in the book, Guttel’s wonderful character emerged, which was also significant in her husband’s decisions. She was an exemplary human, smart, humble, honest and virtuous woman. Guttel’s character evokes great empathy and in her behavior, she is well ahead of her time, and thus serves as an example and inspiration.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? The real heroes and heroines in life are the ones who have been able to overcome significant difficulties, go through difficult and painful times and choose life. The outmost example are the Holocaust survivors who
started their lives anew and set up families after all they went through. Among them are some whose art practice has saved them.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? I do not know if the movie I would recommend is a movie of a lifetime. At the same time, it raises many thoughts about things that can be change in our world, about happiness and wealth, love, loneliness and empathy in our world. The movie is a 2011 documentary by filmmaker Tom Shadyak based on a true story. In the movie “I Am”, Shadyak describes what happened to him after a bicycle accident and concussion with severe pain lasting several months, which caused him suicidal thoughts along with existential questions, such as what message he wanted to convey to the world before his death. After healing, he felt a need and set himself a goal to explore how he could improve life in the world and how the society we live in could do so. Following these thoughts, he created the movie. He interviewed a large number of influential people and intellectuals and asked them the same two key questions: What is wrong in the world? What can we do
about it?

What role plays art in my life and work? Art is a way of life to me. Art is a necessity of the soul. Even during my many years in my previous career in education, I did not stop creating and practicing art. Art allows me to express my inner self and engage in dialogue with other artists and the environment, which greatly enriches my world and being.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? For me, these words mean fulfilling my dreams, setting goals and challenges for myself and dealing with them. Over the years when I was engaged in education and not involved enough in the arts, I dreamed of doing that, and planning to make it happen … and it happened.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My husband is a significant partner in my artistic work, although he does not deal with art himself. I consult with him and through his eyes; sometimes I see things differently. He supports me and encourages me.

Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020? In general, in 2020 I want to work and be in contact with people or companies that will facilitate mutual brainstorming and thought and practical creativity. I can point out artist Rafi Peretz who is a dear friend and mentor, and as far as I am concerned, the encounters and conversations with him advance me thoughtfully and practically and I hope they will continue this year as well.

Which people in my profession who can make a real difference in my creative career would i love to meet in 2020? People I would love to meet, that can make a significant change and impact my creative career can come from all areas of creativity: from the fields of literature, poetry and art. I hope such encounters can inspire me.
I recommend inviting the author Sarah Aharoni, who lives in Kfar Sava, to tell her fascinating story.

What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on? In 2020, I was scheduled to participate in two important commemoration projects, which unfortunately have been postponed because of the Corona virus. I really hope that after the virus ends, they will be reintroduced. The first project is a commemoration through the artwork of a child killed by a car accident. I created two sculptures after meeting with the boy’s family and reading about him. This project involves a group of artists from different fields. This project initiated by the painter Nirit Ovadia, in collaboration with “Green Light”, an association that works to prevent road accidents. The second project is the commemoration of a soldier killed in a military helicopter accident. Here, too, I created a sculpture after meeting his family. An exhibition was supposed to take place near our National Memorial Day, but it did not happen. This project initiated by artist Avi Sharon in collaboration with “Yad Labanim”, an organization of bereaved families and with the participation of about twenty artists from different fields.

Where can you see me or my work in 2020? In 2020, I will continue to create, sculpt and paint and I hope that I will continue to exhibit my work in many exhibitions and galleries in Israel and abroad once the corona virus limitations are over.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? The meaning of this sentence for me is to get up every morning with joy in my heart for another day of creation and artistic work. It means seeing something in my imagination and turning it into something that others are also able to experience and enjoy. The desire to do what I love and want to never end!

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?  I would invite the wonderful artist and curator my dear friend Avia Mamon that creates beautiful and unique exhibitions in the gallery she runs in Kfar Sava.

How can you contact me?
You can contact me:
by email: Rachel.frank3010@gmail.com
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelFrankSculpture
My page on an artist site: http://www.amanim.com/rachel_frank3010/

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