Israeli Artists Group Blog

When I entered couple of weeks ago the Engine Gallery at the Historic Distillery District, joining visual artist Myriam F. Levy, gallery owner, director and curator Steven Schwartz, and friends, at the opening of her solo exhibit “Desert Rhythms”, with African music playing at the background, I couldn’t stop thinking about this connection. And when I talked with Levy and Schwartz, both told me in their own words, how musical the paintings are.

Left: African Market, 36” x 48”. Right: Soft Wind, 48” x 12”

As an abstract painter, Myriam’s medium of choice is encaustic. Encaustic is an ancient technique also known as hot wax painting, which involves using heated wax to which colored pigments are added. The encaustic medium has a unique ability to be worked and reworked. Modeling, scraping, incising and incorporating different materials are some of the exciting possibilities this medium can offer. I had the unique opportunity to learn from Levy at her studio the technique, medium and tools of Encaustic art, and saw firsthand how she constructs her images, layer by layer, listening to her inner music and rhythm.

Myriam F. Levy at the opening of Desert Rhythms, Engine Gallery. Behind her: Hoodoo , 18” x 36”.

“Desert Rhythms”, the name of the show, gives us few clues to Levy’s influences. As a hobby, she loves playing the Djembe, an African skin-covered hand drum, which she plays regularly with a group of friends. The rhythm of the drum’s music, with the beat and off-beat sequences, where one feels not only the sounds, but in between them, is like breathing. The same in Levy’ art – each painting has its own rhythm, constructed by vertical or horizontal lines, in different width and spaces between them, breathing with colors, tones and under tones. Using the encaustic technique, Levy creates layer after layer of colors, some hidden and some revealed by incising and scratching.

This leads to Levy’s major influence – nature, and for this show,  the desert of the silk road (which led through Israel), especially the hidden mysteries, history and stories of the ancient people that rode it, and left behind traces such as trading stations remnants. On the surface the deserts always look lifeless, but underneath they are full of life. Water marks are everywhere, with canyons and wadis created during centuries of sudden floods. Animals live under rocks and underground. Bare and knotty acacias standing twisted by winds and exposure to the element. In the artworks, we can find in the details similar traces, shapes and marks, that each one of us can interpret differently and individually, based on our imagination and personal experiences.

Engine Gallery at the Distillery District

This is Levy’s first solo show at the Engine Gallery, but she has been represented by the gallery for some time now, participating in several group shows. Gallery owner, director and curator Steven Schwartz told me about the immediate connection he had with Levy’s work. Representing many Canadian and International artists, including several Israeli artists, each with their own style, Schwartz must feel the art to be able to fulfill his commitment for both artist and collector. He is privileged and excited to exhibit Levy’s art, show it to the gallery’s clients and enrich the art scene in Toronto. Engine Gallery, in its central location at the artistic Distillery District is the perfect background for the colorful massive pieces.

Left: Yellow River, 60” x 24”. Right: Incense Road, 60” x 20”

Levy’s solo show just ended this week, but her works can still be viewed on regular basis at the Engine Gallery. I encourage all art lovers to see Levy and her art – it will definitely lift your spirit!

Engine Gallery’s current exhibits feature artist Diana Bennett, who dealt with her grandaughter’s cancer through her resin pieces, and artist Costa Dvorezky’s “Adam and Eve”.

Engine Gallery address: 37 Mill Street, Building #37 (Distillery Lane), Distillery District, Toronto ON M5A 3R6. (416) 531 9905. www.enginegallery.ca. Gallery hours: Tuesday-Sunday 12PM-6PM

You can also contact Myriam F. Levy: (416) 627 0182, mflevy@rogers.com, www.mflevy.com

Moshe Mikanovsky writes for Shalom Toronto on Israeli Art matters in Toronto.  (moshe@mikanovsky.com, www.mikanovsky.com)

You can also read this article in English and Hebrew as was published at Shalom Toronto.

Israeli Art blossoms in Toronto
By Moshe Mikanovsky
Shalom Toronto, June 2 2010

If you had a chance to visit the Israeli Artists Group’s art show, you were probably impressed with the beautiful art and the show that represented many art disciplines, all practiced by local artists, all Israelis. In this article I wanted to introduce one of the newer artists in the group, who showed for the first time, and had a great success!

Ziva Lepsker was born in Haifa. For her entire professional life she was a kindergarten teacher. After moving to Canada, and retiring from teaching, Ziva looked for a new thing to do. By chance, and not even knowing she has it in herself, she found watercolour painting. Four years ago, very hesitantly, she used this tricky medium for the first time, and the rest is history.

Watercolours, as a painting medium, can create amazing results, with transparent washes, bleeds, pigments that blend into each other, bright whites and darkest colors. But when overworked, or with too much thinking, they are very unforgiving. Muddy areas and mess are results that no artist likes, and that’s why many artists turn away from it.

Ziva Lepsker, Flowers, Watercolours

But when looking at Ziva’s flower fields and landscapes, you can appreciate the richness of the medium, and her playful control of it. Her flowers are especially powerful, jumping off the paper with bright and strong colors. Ziva explains that as “painting what she feels rather than what she knows”. Her love to the Israeli flowers and landscapes, combines with the excitement of experiencing new sights here in Canada, inspires her daily work. She paints every day, and is never tired or out of artistic expression.

In the show Ziva presented her art for the first time. This is not an easy task for any beginner artist, and Ziva received many encouragements from her family, friends, and the members of the group and the community. And her success at the show, with many visitors commenting on her style, buying her art, and supporting her, gave her the boost to continue and grow. I am sure we will hear more about her in the future!

Another artist who was a member of the Israeli Artists Group for many years, is now on her way back home, returning to Israel this summer.

Esther Etigson, also a sabra, moved to Toronto 40 years ago, to improve her English and return to Israel as an English teacher. As happens to many, Esther married a Canadian, and stayed in Toronto, where she built her family and career. She always drew or painted, with trees being her favorite subject, but only 14 years ago she pursued her artistic talent and started learning painting professionally, in parallel to her teaching at Associated Hebrew Schools.

Esther learned with the best local artist, such as Margaret Roseman, Pauline Holensin, Jake Mol and Art Cunanan. She was a member of the Toronto Watercolour Society, the Willowdale Group of Artists, and the Israeli Artists Group of Toronto. She participated in many of the groups’ shows, as well as single shows of her art at her home in Thornhill.

Esther Etigson, Sun Eclipse

Esther’s love for nature and its beauty is evident in her paintings. “The surprise and unexpected always excite me when I paint. I love Canada and I am in awe every time from its wonderful nature and the abundance all around. The Canadian landscape and the many trips I take in the nature influence my work.”

This year will be Esther’s last art show and sale in her Thornhill home, since being homesick to her family in Israel won over her love to Canada. She will be returning to Israel this summer, and will continue her painting career there. Please show her your support and congratulate her for her return to Israel, by visiting her studio on her 5^th annual art show and sale. Please see details below.

Ziva’s art can be viewed online at http://zlapsker.awardspace.bizas well as at her studio. To contact Ziva, please call 905 886 4111 or send an email to zlapsker@gmail.com

Esther’s 5^th annual art show and sale will be June 13^th, at her home: 163 Gailcrest, Thornhill (Bathurst and Clark area), between 10AM – 6PM. To contact Esther please call 905 886 8085.

Moshe Mikanovsky writes for Shalom Toronto on Israeli Art matters in Toronto.  (moshe@mikanovsky.com, www.mikanovsky.com)

Read this article in Hebrew and English as PDF files from printed paper.

Dafna Tzur is an Israeli living in Toronto, who has a show on the Israeli Channel. She visited us at our art show, and created this charming video. Enjoy.

More Israeli artists show their wares at 4-day annual event

Written by Shlomo Kapustin   
Jewish Tribune, Wednesday, 12 May 2010

TORONTO – The Israeli Artists Group of Toronto is ramping up for its second annual art show, scheduled to coincide with Yom Yerushalayim, or Jerusalem Day. It will run from May 13 to May 16 and take place at the J.E.H./Thoreau MacDonald House, just north of Toronto.“We wanted to expand, so that the community knows more about us,” said Moshe Mikanovsky, one of the organizers of the event. “Obviously, we want to sell, but it’s also about culture.”Twenty-four artists will be showing their art at the free, four-day event, a 50 per cent increase from last year’s 16 exhibitors, and Mikanovsky, whose work includes some Jewish- and Israeli-themed work, said that the group is already looking for larger quarters for next year’s exhibit.

Fifteen members of the Israeli Artists Group of Toronto are set for their second annual art show at J.E.H./Thoreau MacDonald House north of Toronto beginning May 13 and running till May 16.

The group’s ranks have swelled in the past year to reach about 35, said Mira Clarfield, who recently stepped down as one of its official leaders. Along with the growth in numbers has come greater exposure for the group’s members.

Founded in 1992, the group comprises members of many artistic disciplines – from jewellery to painting to ceramics to photography to sculpture to calligraphy to textiles. Some artists create Judaica; some focus on secular materials. Many work at other full-time occupations; about a third are full-time artists.

While some of the newer recruits are working to increase the group’s exposure, the organization mostly serves as an artistic support group of sorts for Israeli ex-pats.
“It’s to be able to see and hear each other and share intimate feelings,” said Meni Conen, a veteran of the organization who headed it for about five years in the 1990s. “We are … supporting each other and helping each other.”

Once a month, for example, the group meets and, in addition to the social component, invites a guest to speak about an art-related topic. A few weeks ago, Avner Levona, the husband of group member Aliza Levona, screened two short films that he had directed – one, a whimsical take on falafel; the other, a history of the classic hora folk dance – and discussed their creation.

Conen, whose artist-appropriate Hebrew name is translated as “create,” pointed out that many artists work alone, “so you learn by being with other artists together. Everyone has their own style, but they do it together.”  

Hours for the show are: May 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; May 14 from Noon to 9 p.m.; May 15-16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The site of the show, the J.E.H./Thoreau MacDonald House, is located at 121 Centre Street in Thornhill, Ontario, close to the Yonge-Centre intersection.

Read the article on the Jewish Tribune website

Information about the show…

The Israeli Artists Group of Greater Toronto brings together Israeli artists in different disciplines of visual arts, to work, socialize and enhance the Israeli and Jewish culture in Toronto. In this series of articles, we will open a window to some of our artists who live and work in our midst.    

Many artists love to share not only their artistic vision in their artwork, but also their knowledge in the mediums they work with. Such are the two artists I met with this week. Both were teaching art throughout the years, part of their process of becoming better artists, by giving forward to others.   

The first artist I interviewed this week is Haya Nativ. Haya moved from Israel to Toronto twenty years ago with her family. A teacher by profession, she developed and specialized into being an art teacher, and later on into a facilitator of art projects.   

Haya worked in several media, such as painting, stained glass, jewelry, woodworking, papier-mâché and others, until she landed in the medium she is known for, the one she feels most comfortable with, the textile and fiber. The softness of the fabric, its flexibility, diversity as a two- or three-dimensional material, endless patterns and colours, woven or knitted, with different texture – all give Haya everything she is looking for in her artistic adventures. In addition to buying the fabrics, she also makes her own – weaving, pasting, dyeing and other techniques.   

Haya’s inspiration is mostly in Judaic themes, Israel and the Bible. When she arrived to Canada, she gave craft workshops, and was influenced by some of her religious students, who exposed her to the many symbols and Judaica items, which she started making – Challah covers, Matzah covers, Talit bags and such. Then she stared getting commissions from synagogues: holy ark curtains, Torah covers, Chuppahs and wall hangings. As time went by, the style became more and more artistic and contemporary.   

Haya Nativ, Callah cover

Haya is tightly connected with the Jewish and Israeli community in Toronto, from which many of her clients come. As an art project facilitator, Haya organized and led groups and organizations in creating together special items. Notable are the wall carpet commissioned by the JWF for the year of battered women support, which is hung at the Leah Posluns Theatre at the Prosserman JCC, the Chuppah commemorating the 100^th year anniversary of Adat Israel synagogue, the High Priest Cloths project by the Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Textiles, Toronto (the Guild unites artisans who are interested in textile art and needlework based on Judaic themes), as well as many Chuppahs created by families and friends of the bride and groom, following Haya’s designs and directions.   

Haya Nativ with details from the High Priest Cloths by the P Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Textiles, Toronto

My second interview was with Alisa Levona, who is a painter. Alisa was born in Tel Aviv, and moved to Canada with her parents in her teen years. After graduating high school, she moved back to Israel by herself, to serve in the army, and later on, to complete her art studies at the Midrasha for Art Teachers. In 1990 she returned once again to Toronto, this time with her husband, which she met in Israel.   

Throughout the years, Alisa taught art at some of the Jewish schools, such as USDS and Heschel. She also worked a few years with her husband in his commercial photography studio. Throughout the years Alisa was commissioned to paint many portraits and other paintings, but at the same time she also developed her own style, exploring the balance between real and imagined, representational art and abstract art, old and new, classic and contemporary.

Aliza Levona, Untitled, Two panels mixed Media on canvas, 70” x 40”

 Her exposure to different media – traditional oils and modern photography editing, her teaching experience with different age groups, her love for the old masters like Caravaggio and Rembrandt, as well as 20th century artists such as Rothko, Jim Dine, David Salle, Francesco Clement, Rauschenberg and Israeli artist Uri Lifshitz – all influenced her work. In her Homage to Leonardo series, Alisa used a mixed media to explore this lifelong fascination in several ways: The juxtaposition of collage images of De Vinci’s madonnas with abstract background. The usage of many media within the piece, including materials such as putty and shellac, usually found in home construction sites rather than in the artist’s studio. The confined geometric shapes, which the colours fill and at the same time, break-out-of, in an organized, yet chaotic manner. All of these oppositions and contradictions come together to find a fine balance, one Alisa is seeking throughout her body of work.   

Aliza Levona, Untitled, Mixed Media on canvas, 24” x 30”

Haya’s art can be viewed at http://allinonepicture.com as well as at her studio. If you are interested in commissioning artwork, or to meet Haya, please call 416 633 2664 or send an email to hayanativ@rogers.com

Alisa’s paintings can be viewed at http://alisalevona.com. If you are interested in commissioning artwork, or to meet Alisa, please call 416 398 0751 or send an email to art@alisalevona.com

Both Haya and Alisa will be participating in the Israeli Artists Group show in May 13-16 at the MacDonald House, 121 Centre Street, Thornhill. Come to meet them and the rest of the group’s artists at the show opening night, Thursday, May 13^th, between 6 to 9pm. For more information please visit www.IsraeliArtistsGroup.com

Moshe Mikanovsky is a member of the Israeli Artists Group of Greater Toronto (moshe@mikanovsky.com, www.mikanovsky.com)

Artists Interview, Hebrew

Artists Interview, English

Related posts:      

• Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (Suzi Phillipsohn and Myriam Levy)
• Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (2) (Irit Lepkin and Inna Gorshtein)
• Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (3) (Bianka Guna and Dorit Elbaz)
• Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (4) (Miki Zion and Rikki Blitt)
• Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (5) (Dorit Shelef and Moshe Mikanovsky)
• Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (6) (Meni Conen and Shoshana Strigberger)

Group show features Israeli artists of Toronto
By BARBARA SILVERSTEIN, Special to The CJN   
The Canadian Jewish News, Thursday, 29 April 2010

When Moshe Mikanovsky, an Israeli visual artist and software developer, picked up a flyer advertising the art show of the Israeli Artists Group of Toronto last year, he says he was very surprised to discover that such an art group existed.

Israeli artist’s works will be featured at annual art show.

“I’d been living in Toronto for seven years, and I had never heard of this organization.” The painter and printmaker, who is known for his ketubah and Judaic art as well as portraiture, says he attended the art show hoping to make a connection with other Israeli artists. “I didn’t know what to expect,” he recalls. “The artists were very welcoming when I came to that first show.”

Indeed, not only did he forge new friendships but Mikanovsky, 38, has also become a spokesperson for the Israeli art group and a key promoter of the upcoming 2010 show.

The Israeli Artists Group of Toronto Second Annual Art Show coincides with Jerusalem Day, which is on May 12 this year. The show runs from May 13 to 16 at JEH Thoreau MacDonald House, located at 121 Centre St. in Thornhill. The opening takes place May 13 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Read more…

Information about the show…

CJN article April 2010

By Moshe Mikanovsky
Shalom Toronto, April 15, 2010

The Israeli Artists Group of Greater Toronto brings together Israeli artists in different disciplines of visual arts, to work, socialize and enhance the Israeli and Jewish culture in Toronto. In this series of articles, we will open a window to some of our artists who live and work in our midst.

As we are getting closer to the group’s 2^nd annual art show celebrating Jerusalem Day, I first interviewed painter Meni (Menachem) Conen, whose work to these days is entwined with images of the old city. Meni was born in Israel before the state’s independence, and throughout his childhood emerged as the artistic go-to, at school, youth movement and everywhere he went. He started learning painting as grade 8 student, and continued throughout high school and his army service at the Air Force, which gave him opportunities to be exposed to art.

Meni Conen, Arches In Jerusalem, Watercolours, 15”x22”

Following his university graduation, Meni worked at an architecture office, where he fell in love with model building, one of the more practical art forms. He then applied and was accepted to a program in Industrial Design and Model Making in Munich, and after completing his studies, he opened a studio in Israel for design and model construction. He loved the work, but the difficult economic situation in Israel forced him to close the shop and work for others as an industrial designer. In 1987 Meni immigrated to Canada, and till today he divides his life between the industrial design work – prototype and model -making, and product design – and the artwork, mainly painting in watercolours and acrylics, but also working with other media such as oils, pastels, woodcarving, aluminum sculpting, photography and digital art.

I asked Meni what inspires his artwork, seeing the varied subject matters, from Old Jerusalem alleys to some typical Canadian lakeshore landscapes. “Most of my life I lived in Israel” Meni told me, “and the old cities views with their special light, is still my most favorite subject. Since I came to Canada, I found that I am also interested in the landscapes, with its strong fall colours, and winter’s filtered and soft light, the snow and breathtaking sunsets. When I create in two dimensional media, such as painting or photography, I am always searching an interesting subject and point of view. As a painter I have the freedom to change – ignore irrelevant things, improve and enhance colours, add or subtract in a way that feels the best. I find that my artistic creation gave me better tools to see and appreciate life and the world around me”.

Meni Conen with his painting “Safed”

Meni is one of the senior members of the Israeli Artists Group of Toronto, joining shortly after its inception in 1992. Since then he participated in organizing many of its activities, such as art shows, workshops and seminars, and visiting guest artists. Meni was also the group’s president for several years. In addition, he participated in many art shows such as with the Art Academy of Netanya, the Toronto Watercolour Society, and couple of two-artists shows.

Next, I met with painter Shoshana Strigberger. Shoshana was born in Sighet, Romania. At nine years old, her family moved to Israel, where she spent the majority of her adolescent life. Shoshana loved Israel for its array of landscapes which were so much different than the ones in Romania.  From the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea to the sacred mountains in Jerusalem, Shoshana often found herself sketching the scenery surrounding her.  Becoming an artist was not especially encouraged in her family. Her parents said: “One has to go to school and learn a useful trade.  You cannot make a living being an artist…” And so, eventually, she became a teacher.

In 1970, Shoshana moved to Canada, and when her children were older and in school, she decided to finally explore her talents as an artist. She enrolled at Central Tech School of Art and the Ontario College of Art and Design, and also took many workshops with various teachers. Learning sculpture, ceramics and painting and although enjoying working in all these areas, painting was the one she especially liked and have been doing for more than fifteen years.  Shoshana works mainly in acrylics and oil and mixed media. As she told me, “I like colour and flexibility and my work is a testament to that. As a world traveler, I was influenced by artists, such as Cezanne, Gaugin, DeKooning, and Kandinsky to name a few.  My work is expressive and  free.” I can attest to that, as her paintings, both of landscapes and nudes, are full with expressive colours and sensual shapes, drawing you to them like a magnificent colourful magnet.

Shoshana Strigberger, Figure, Oil on canvas, 33”x43”

“My philosophy is very simple:”, she continues, “I don’t like perfection.  Imperfection is “perfection”. Also, artists should paint what stirs them, and if they want to do what they see without a message, that is okay too.  My main interest is movement of the subject.  Even something static is in motion, and I like to capture that.”

Shoshana Strigberger with her painting “Memory #2”

Since 1996 Shoshana exhibited at various galleries including The Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery (Unionville) juried exhibitions, The Canadian Sculptor Centre of Toronto, The Mill Pond Gallery (Richmond Hill), The Praxis Gallery (Toronto) and The Market Gallery (Toronto).

Meni’s art can be viewed on the Israeli Artists Group of Toronto http://israeliartistsgroup.com/meni_conen/. To contact Meni please call 416-636 0842 or send an email to menideb@sympatico.ca

Shoshana’s paintings can be viewed at her studio by appointment. To contact Shoshana please call 905-886-6979 or send an email to shoshana@striglaw.com

Both Meni and Shoshana will be participating in the Israeli Artists Group show in May 13-16 at the MacDonald House, 121 Centre Street, Thornhill. Come to meet them and the rest of the group’s artists at the show opening night, Thursday, May 13^th, between 6 to 9pm. For more information please visit www.IsraeliArtistsGroup.com

Moshe Mikanovsky is a member of the Israeli Artists Group of Greater Toronto (moshe@mikanovsky.com, www.mikanovsky.com)

Artists Interview, English

Related posts:   

• Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (Suzi Phillipsohn and Myriam Levy)
• Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (2) (Irit Lepkin and Inna Gorshtein)
• Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (3) (Bianka Guna and Dorit Elbaz)
• Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (4) (Miki Zion and Rikki Blitt)
• Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (5) (Dorit Shelef and Moshe Mikanovsky)

The Israeli Artists Group of Greater Toronto brings together Israeli artists in different disciplines of visual arts, to work, socialize and enhance the Israeli and Jewish culture in Toronto. In this series of articles, we will open a window to some of our artists who live and work in our midst.     

Artist Miriam Sion, who is also known to her friends and family as Miki, a name she also uses to sign her paintings, is an Israeli native, who 40 years ago arrived to Canada with her family “for 4 years only”, and like many of us, these stretched to many more. An accountant by profession, Miki started painting back in Israel, and never stopped. She attended courses in many art schools and with some of the best artists in Toronto.    

When Miki moved to Canada, she was astounded by the extreme seasonal changes, especially during autumn, with its vibrant array of red, orange and yellow hues of the foliage. These colours and the effect of the sun on them, influences Miki’s work throughout the years. This can be seen in the way she treats her subject matter, mostly images from her travels around the world. Orange and yellow are dominating her Venice paintings series, reflecting the warm dusk sun on the elegant walls, canal water and gondolas. Her Prague roof tops, rendered in clean pop-art lines and shapes, and a busy cubist design, emphasize a broad range of warm oranges, reflecting the warm sun, with blue highlights to cool down the shadows. 

Miki Sion with her Venice paintings collection at the Galleria Adonis in Woodbridge

Miki Sion, Roofs of Prague, 22’’x28’’, Acrylic on canvas

Miki is active in many artist groups in the GTA, amongst them Richmond Hill Group of Artists, with whom she participated in its yearly juried shows since 1995, Bayview Watercolour Society, in which she showed and awarded prizes for her artwork, and of course, the Israeli Artists Group of Greater Toronto, of which she served as president in 2007-2008.  

Being a member since 1998, I asked Miki how it influences her:  “Most of my friends are Israelis and the general feeling is that we are Israelis living in Toronto, feeling and breathing Israeli culture in our daily lives. Belonging to the group was a natural reaction to this connection, and to staying in touch with Israel.”  

Rikki Blitt, another one of our community artists, has been in Canada for almost 50 years. Born in the former soviet union post World War II, Rikki moved to Israel in 1950, and then to Canada in her teens. Now in her retirement, Rikki immerses herself in a new found love – designing and creating three dimensions decorative and practical objects from beads and wire. She remembers herself always doing some type of creative work: knitting, embroidery, macramé and weaving. In recent years, her collection focuses on Jewelry and Judaica objects such as Mezuzot and beaded wire Kipot.  

Rikki is fascinated by the process of creation: 

Rikki Blitt, Chain mail bracelet, sterling silver

In addition to her involvement with the Israeli Artists Group, Rikki is very active in the Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Textiles, Toronto (http://pomegranateguild.ca), where she is currently the President of the Guild. The Guild unites artisans who are interested in textile art and needlework based on Judaic themes. Together they created several projects which were donated to the community, mostly to Baycrest. Over the years Rikki learned a great deal from its members and guest presenters.   She was also involved in the mounting of an exhibition of the  Guild members’ work in 2007 (in the Koffler gallery), in coordinating the Mezuzot Exhibit (in Baycrest) in 2009, and is currently working on a future exhibit of Tzedakah boxes (also in Baycrest). The beautiful Mezuzot exhibit can be seen on the Guild’s website (under Members’ Work).    

    

Rikki Blitt, Mezuzot, beads and Swarovski crystals

Miki’s paintings can be viewed and purchased in her studio by appointment. Please contact Miki by email at msion@rogers.com.    

Rikki’s jewelry can be purchased at Made You Look a jewelry store on Queen St. W (http://madeyoulook.ca/). She will participate in the group show “Tzedakah – The Beauty Outside the Box, in Memory of Beverley Colman Lokash” at Baycrest, starting September 1^st, 2010.  Rikki also takes commissions for jewelry, mezuzot and beaded wire kippot. To contact her please email to rikki_blitt@yahoo.ca.      

Both Miki and Rikki will be participating in the Israeli Artists Group show in May 15-18 at the MacDonald House, 121 Centre Street, Thornhill.    

 Moshe Mikanovsky is a member of the Israeli Artists Group of Greater Toronto (moshe@mikanovsky.com, www.mikanovsky.com)    

 

    

 

    

 Related posts:    

• Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (Suzi Phillipsohn and Myriam Levy)
• Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (2) (Irit Lepkin and Inna Gorshtein)
• Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (3) (Bianka Guna and Dorit Elbaz)

    

The Israeli Artists Group of Greater Toronto brings together Israeli artists in different disciplines of visual arts, to work, socialize and enhance the Israeli and Jewish culture in Toronto. In this series of articles, we will open a window to some of our artists who live and work in our midst.      

In this installment of our series, I would like to introduce two very talented abstract painters.     

First, the prolific painter Bianka Guna, who produces new paintings faster than I can write this article! Bianka was born in Romania, from where she made Aliya to Israel in the late 80s. By the end of the 90s Bianka moved to Toronto. Although academically trained as Mechanical Engineer and Software Developer, as well as Art Illustrator, Bianka’s art style is free and fluent, exploded with movement and deep rich colours, devoid of any representation of familiar objects.      

 Living in different continents and countries, and traveling extensively around the world, freed Bianka’s spirit, allowing her to explore and change. She defines herself as Conceptual Artist, continually researching fresh and unique ways to express – and materialize- renewed growth and ongoing spiritual development by way of new methods, means and revelatory techniques. Her work is also influences by other abstract artists, some of which she admires, like Kandinsky, Gorky, Pollack, and Rothko.        

Artist Bianka Guna

Bianka shows her work in many venues – galleries, group shows, international art projects – going by  the motto that you are not a serious painter if you are not at any moment in at least five projects or shows. One of the interesting projects she is part of is the “Planet Earth, Planet Art”, an Art Book Project (due March 1^st)  in support of the environmental and social grassroots network Friends Of The Earth International. Ninety-five artists from all over the world present their artwork as a voice raised to bring awareness of the urgent problems of the imbalanced lifestyles and unsustainable environmental consumption we humans face, accompanied by a personal statement which brings the clarity of the artist to these problems.       

Another international project she is participating in is The Sketchbook Project. Her sketchbook, titled “A Million Little..Trips” is on tour, showing throughout the USA in 5 different cities.          

 

Bianka Guna, “Rikudim ,Bossa Nova” , Acrylic on watercolour paper , 22”X30”

The second artist is Dorit Elbaz. Dorit started only recently exploring her artistic side, after working for many years in the travel industry. Dorit was born in Israel and moved to Toronto with her family after completing her army service. Dorit started her professional career as a special education teacher, working with children with disabilities. Then she followed her parents into the family business. After eighteen years as a travel agent Dorit felt she needs new direction and start looking for a change, this is when she found the power of creativity. Helping and supporting her on this new journey are her husband and three handsome boys, whom she makes sure to remind me, are the most important thing in her life.    

Artist Dorit Elbaz

Her first exposure to painting was in a mixed media workshop she took with artist Jill Segal, following a visit to the Spiritual Diva organized art show at the MacDonald house. She fell in love with the colours and possibilities they introduced to her. Crimson, purple and turquoise found ways to her canvases, along with many other materials. In addition to the paint and mediums, Dorit uses mix media – broken and torn objects from around her home and life, items that finished their normal usage and now create the basis for her art works – and the process of trial and error, to create her “In the Moment” art. Here is how she explains it: “I feel that the only place I can create is my home. When I am inspired, I make myself nana tea, put on some Israeli music and start creating. I converted my Shabbat room to be my studio. I don’t always know how the empty canvas in front of me will look like by the end of the process… I flow with the paint and the mixed media, listening to my feelings in that moment…”      

Dorit is very involved in the community. In the past she took part in organizing many events and fund raisers, supporting organizations such as JWIC, Ending Violence Against Women and One Family Fund. While finding her love for the arts, she started representing several local artists, helping them sell their artwork to galleries and other vendors. This month she is showing her artwork at the new Aroma Espresso Café on Yonge and Eglinton, supporting the Israeli business in the GTA.     

Dorit Elbaz, Journey, Mixed Media on canvas, 36’’x12’’

Bianka is represented by several galleries and will show in the near future in number of shows, such as the 25th Toronto Watercolour Society Anniversary Spring Juried Show at the Papermill Art Gallery (March 17th-28th), the 5th Annual Heintzman Invitational at Bay Thorn Street, Markham (April 23rd-25^th) , and  a Two Artists Show , Odgers  Berndson, RBC building , 200  Bay Street  (1st May-31st July 2010)     

Bianka also teaches many seminars and courses in the GTA. For more information and to view more of her art, please visit www.biankaguna.com.      

Dorit’s work is currently shown at Aroma Espresso Café, Yonge and Eglinton (2300 Yonge) until February 28^th, 6:30AM – 11:00PM. Prints of her works can be purchased at Heart to Find and at Orchid Florist, both in Thornhill. She will be participating at the Diva Artist Show “Spiritual Expressions Through Art”, MacDonald House, Thornhill, April 13-18.     

To contact Dorit please call   416 520 4351 or email her at doritelbaz@yahoo.ca     

Both Bianka and Dorit will be participating in the Israeli Artists Group show in May 15-18 at the MacDonald House, 121 Centre Street, Thornhill.     

 Moshe Mikanovsky is a member of the Israeli Artists Group of Greater Toronto (moshe@mikanovsky.com, www.mikanovsky.com)     

      

 Related posts: 

•  Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (Suzi Phillipsohn and Myriam Levy)
• Two Israeli Artists, Two Worlds of Arts (2) (Irit Lepkin and Inna Gorshtein)