By: Azad Karimi
I work mainly in illustrating children's books. Throughout many years of my career I have illustrated hundreds of illustrations for a Bible book for children. I really love Israel and draw people and landscapes of people who live here.
Interview
Israeli-Georgian Painter Diana Shimon
By Azad Karimi
A few days ago, I received a book from my artist friend Diana Shimon in Hebrew, the drawings of this book were prepared by dear Diana. This book is her latest book.
Regardless of the fact that Diana is my close friend, I will talk about her style as a painter. She has her own methods, that is, you see an interesting variation in her works of art ... ... From classic methods to modern graphic cartoons ... ... and how interesting that her skills in each of these styles are perfectly manifested. I am not a critic of painting, but I write about my perception of her work.
For example, I saw a painting of her with religious and traditional themes according to the text of the Bible (Hebrew culture) But you see in it all the eastern elements from the Mediterranean to the Caucasus, It was very interesting that I saw ancient Kurdistan in this painting. . Another might see Israel, Iraq, Anatolia, Armenia, or Georgia in this painting. This is the secret to Diana's difference in attitude.
In her subconscious, it is institutionalized to refer to history and narrate it according to her empirical conception of time and the contemporary world ... and that means to be different, to be creative, and to be successful.
Diana is an intellectual artist and an intellectual human being, besides this good quality, she is a committed and responsible human being and she feels responsible for all her family members and even her friends. She also respects her art, and this is a sign of the greatness of her nature.
As a teenager, she experienced the civil war in Georgia and in her middle age, the Israeli war with Lebanon and the Gaza Strip ... For her, perhaps war has strengthened her sense of hope for the future and life, which is why the colors in her works are happy and vivid, and her chosen themes are full of the passion of life.
I think if you look at her paintings, you will realize the depth of her lively and dynamic view of life, art and beauty, so I prefer to invite you to read the text of my interview with my dear friend Diana and share her views to have a more accurate understanding of her paintings.
I wish happiness and success to Diana and her family.
Thank you!
Vestland-Norway
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1.Please present yourself (Name, education, Civil status and...)
.My name is Diana Shimon. I was born in Georgia. In the city of Tbilisi. In 1990, following a civil war in Georgia, my family and I arrived in Israel. I have been Israeli for more than 30 years. I studied at the Institute of Arts in the Tel Aviv area, I did a watercolor course in England in 1996 and I took a graphic design and book design course. I have worked with well-known artists in Israel and abroad, such as Leo Ray, Shimon Avni, and Avinoam Kosovsky.
2-What is your artistic specialize?
.I work mainly in illustrating children's books. Throughout many years of my career I have illustrated hundreds of illustrations for a Bible book for children. I really love Israel and draw people and landscapes of people who live here.
3.When and how did you become interested in this field of art?
.Arriving in Israel made a big difference in my life. I had to learn to love a country I had never seen before. I started working in publishing as an illustrator and graphic designer and at the same time studying at the Institute of the Arts. As I got to know the new land and learned to accept and love it through my art.
4- Who was your motivator?
.I have the great privilege of studying and working with my dear teacher, artist Leo Ray in Tel Aviv. He encouraged me in moments when not everything went smoothly. And I thank a dear friend named Baruch Maoz (and also a publishing director at the time) for supporting me and my art throughout the years.
5- What was your parent’s reaction?
.I was born with a painting talent and unfortunately my parents did not really develop for various reasons. I learned many years to play the piano and did not enjoy it. I discovered my abilities at a much later age thanks to people who are not family members.
6- When started you such as a professional Artist-Illustrator/Painter?
.You could say during your studies at the Institute of the Arts.
7- Are you thankful and happy because of your activities as an artist?
.I am always happy from any period, even if it is a flourishing and prosperous period or a difficult period like the one we had last year.
8- How you see the view for art, painting and future of culture?
. I believe in the future of art. It is true that technology and the digital world compete strongly in classical art. Yet even people who do not engage in art on a regular basis need to enjoy beauty, creativity, and culture. The human soul seeks it. The world is changing and it could very well be that art will only flourish and grow more in the years to come.
9-Why do some paintings become immortal?
.Because there was appreciation and a lot of respect for those works.
10- Can you become one part of the artistic-cultural movement for motivation in youth or new generation in your country and so than?
. Yes, definitely a very important thought. A few years ago it was on my heart and years I taught the teens art in my home and I believe I should continue to invest in the new generation.
11- How can you help our world become a better place to live?
.Keep loving. Love will win!
12- Have you more word to say or suggestion for our readers?
.I was happy to share with you a little about myself and this is an opportunity to wish you a pleasant summer and enjoy a good holiday after a particularly difficult year for all of us. Lots of health and creativity.
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Diana Shimon
Diana Shimon artist and illustrator