Statement:
Growing up in the Judean hills of Israel, I was raised with awareness of the rich history that the land holds for me and my people. I always seemed to be surrounded by battles and conflict, terror and war, as well as beautiful landscapes that represent the triumphs of fantastic hard-working, warm people. These all played a part in creating a deep love and a feeling of belonging towards this beautiful land, and being a part of something much larger than myself.
My landscape paintings serve as a reflection of me and my people. I feel that every terrace – ancient or new, has been watered by our sweat and blood. The olive trees have cracked from holding so many tears over the pain and suffering we've endured. They blossom anew with the love, hope and belief in a peaceful future.
My immediate emotions towards the land I am painting are expressed by painting with ink washes. The ink has a strong quality to it. It can be soft with its washy effect, and harsh with clear, crisp lines. Contrasting black, white and grey are effective in their direct and simple approach for recording my personal encounter with the landscapes. I put down a combination of lines and shapes in order to express the enormous embrace the mountains seem to be giving me.
A 1500 year old tree, still bearing fruit and standing proud among new terraces of young vines has been a source of inspiration for many paintings. A mountain covered with terraces and caves that were used as hiding places from the Greek has inspired as well. The desert colors, the green and muddy terraces, the hard rocks, the bright sun and ever changing weather and skies. These are all a part of the intense landscapes and their intense people.
Growing up in the Judean hills of Israel, I was raised with awareness of the rich history that the land holds for me and my people. I always seemed to be surrounded by battles and conflict, terror and war, as well as beautiful landscapes that represent the triumphs of fantastic hard-working, warm people. These all played a part in creating a deep love and a feeling of belonging towards this beautiful land, and being a part of something much larger than myself.
My landscape paintings serve as a reflection of me and my people. I feel that every terrace – ancient or new, has been watered by our sweat and blood. The olive trees have cracked from holding so many tears over the pain and suffering we've endured. They blossom anew with the love, hope and belief in a peaceful future.
My immediate emotions towards the land I am painting are expressed by painting with ink washes. The ink has a strong quality to it. It can be soft with its washy effect, and harsh with clear, crisp lines. Contrasting black, white and grey are effective in their direct and simple approach for recording my personal encounter with the landscapes. I put down a combination of lines and shapes in order to express the enormous embrace the mountains seem to be giving me.
A 1500 year old tree, still bearing fruit and standing proud among new terraces of young vines has been a source of inspiration for many paintings. A mountain covered with terraces and caves that were used as hiding places from the Greek has inspired as well. The desert colors, the green and muddy terraces, the hard rocks, the bright sun and ever changing weather and skies. These are all a part of the intense landscapes and their intense people.