DESTIG Interview with our Top 20 Artist of 2018, Michal Ashkenasi.
Read this interview in DESTIG Magazine
Read this interview in DESTIG Magazine
Gallery
DESTIG Interview
"When I began painting I painted at random whatever my imagination had in stock for me. Now I paint in series around an issue that has my attention."
Tell us about yourself and background.
I was born in the Netherlands 1935, in 1951 I emigrated to Israel to a kibbutz in the Negev desert. I am a widow, mother of 2 sons and grandmother of 5. An artist from 1987 after 3 years University in Haifa and 7 years master- classes. I paint, photograph and do digital art.
Tell us about your work.
My paintings are abstract - minimalists where color has a dominant part. I paint in big fields of color with some small object in it. My aim is to show the meaning without frills and leave it for the lookers to" feel" the smallness of us in the universe.
What makes your work and approach unique?
My work is unique because of my style, the big fields of color and the harmony of the compositions.
Why is your work a good investment?
As to investment, I think it is a good item for collectors. For the layman it is a little difficult to understand, but for a collector who can see the deeper nuances of the colors it's an open book. Here in Israel I'm called 'an artist for artists '"!
Tell us about some of your achievements.
My biggest achievement is that I became an artist. I came to art late in life. At the age 46 I began to paint and an artist friend who saw my work told me to go and learn because, as he said: 'you have talent!' I did as he said and never looked back.
What are your sources of inspiration?
My inspirations are Nature, events in the world and my country, dreams and imagination.
What you are passionate about?
I am very passionate about justice, about the same value for all human beings, about anti-Semitism and about my country.
Tell us the back-story of some of your projects.
I'm a member of a group of 12 artists here in my town and 7 years ago we decided once a year to work around a topic and make a calendar, to sell this and give the money to the less fortunate people in our town. In order to do this every one of us makes a special work and aside of the Calendar we show the works, which are for sale too in a small gallery here.
Share with us your upcoming projects.
Next month I will participate in an exhibition and auction in Montecatini in Italy. At the end of November until the end of December I will participate in a group show in Rome, Italy.
Tell us about where you are based.
My home and atelier is in a small town 20km northeast of Tel Aviv. It's a very nice and easy place to live in, much greenery, trees and gardens. All facilities one needs are here, all shops and even 2 big centers for art and artisan items. I live in a residents house in which I have my apartment and my atelier. All facilities included, swimming pool, gym, a park. I'm lucky!!
Website: michalsart.com