For as long as I can remember, I've had a passion for art. Even in my childhood, art was more than just a hobby — it was an entire world that was mine alone, a place where I could lose myself in colors and images. I would shut myself in my room from ages 13 to 15, spending hours upon hours learning, experimenting, and discovering the power of painting. This curiosity stayed with me over the years and only grew stronger as I got older.
In Israel, like for all young people, military service follows right after high school. It's a different period, with almost no time for art. But somehow, I always found small opportunities to create, even in those conditions. In the evenings, my friends and I—some of whom also saw art as a fundamental part of life—would gather to spend our nights drawing, painting, and discussing the creative world. This experience made me realize that art wasn't just something I loved; it was part of who I am. This understanding likely led to my professional choices later on.
After my military service, like many Israelis, I traveled to the East. This journey was a moment of freedom and tranquility, a time to reflect on who I truly wanted to be when I returned to Israel. That was when I understood that I wanted to live my life immersed in art. It didn't matter whether it was as a painter, photographer, or designer—I just knew it had to be creative. The trip opened my mind, and thoughts about a professional future began to take shape.
Upon returning, I decided to study visual communication. From there, I moved on to conceptual art studies, one of the most significant periods of my life. Afterwards, I started working as an illustrator and graphic designer, initially in branding and advertising and later in game design.
But even with these commitments, my love for painting never faded. I would come home after a long day and continue painting late into the night, getting carried away and diving deeper and deeper into this world.
Over time, my dedication to painting grew stronger. I painted without stopping, received heartfelt responses from people, started selling my work, and eventually realized that this was my calling—to be a painter. I rented a studio in Tel Aviv, a place where I could create freely and fully commit to my art. I felt like I was starting anew, taking my first steps in the professional art world.
Since then, I wake up every morning and go to my studio, filled with excitement and curiosity, immersing myself in my work. It's not always easy—being an artist is a journey of ups and downs. Some days the colors don't blend as I'd hoped, the composition looks messy, and what seemed perfect yesterday feels off today. There's also the occasional loneliness of spending all day alone in the studio and other challenges.
And still, nothing compares to the sense of fulfillment that comes from creating. That moment when I stop, look at the canvas, and see the world I've created come to life—there's nothing like it.
In conclusion
My choice to become a painter was not obvious and developed over the years through personal experiences, encounters with people, and self-discovery. My advice to anyone reading this is to find what you truly love, dedicate yourself to it, and follow your passion. When your heart is invested in something, and you do it out of genuine love, you become the best version of yourself.
Quote from one of my favorite artists, Chet Baker: "Find something that you really enjoy doing, and then learn to do it better than anybody."
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