The Art-World for Women Has "Nava" Been Better

Now, the Israeli-born/Toronto-based savant speaks exclusively to WOMAN.ca about her inspirations, her travels, motherhood, and how being a woman has influenced her art.

W: When did you know that you wanted to spend your life making art?
N: The desire to make art was always present since I was a child. 

W: The word "artist" is so loosely defined; what, in your opinion, makes an artist?
N: I believe that the difficulty in defining the word artist stems from the fact that we are all artists deep down, as strange as it sounds. Art is a process that allows for endless ways of approach. I think that every person has an innate license to create, and there are so many different kinds of creators because we as people have so many varieties of expression. If you create, you're an artist.

W: When do you find that you are most creative?
N: To me, being creative is not necessarily tied to a specific time of day, but rather events, specific moments and random things. Those all can put me in that creative state of mind.

W: If you could use one word to describe your work, what would it be, and why?
N: Intuitive. My work is very much intuitive, with a strong presence of personal perception. That also very often blends with timeless qualities of nature.

W: If you could use one word to describe yourself, what would it be and why?
N: I can be described in many ways, as I believe that the self is multi-layered. But if I had to pick one, I'd say I'm a daydreamer.

W: Do you think of yourself as a woman first, or as an artist?
N: My work often embraces themes relating to the feminine identity. I see a natural correlation between my sense of being a women and the female metaphorical imagery that appears in my work. It's all very instinctive. 

W: What inspires you?
N: Inspiration is everywhere. I can be inspired by such a fleet of things. Inspiration can arise in the most ordinary aspects of my daily life and my surroundings, too. I have such a strong passion for reading. All types of literature and books effect and influence the narrative style of my work. A variety of my paintings have been created as a result of a written story. I'm also very inspired by music, specifically the type of music that brings a sense of recitative style.

W: Are there any other artists that you admire?
N: If I need to mention an artist that has a strong impact on me, that would be the American artist Joseph Cornell. He's a master in navigating the imagination. I have always been intrigued and inspired by looking at his exceptional collages and his lyrical compositions.

W: Why did you choose to get involved with Nuit Blanche?
N: Nuit Blanche is one of my favorite art events in Toronto. It's a place where people of all ages, artists and spectators alike, get together to share their passion for art. Artists take over various spots of the downtown core to enjoy and discover a different perspective of art in Toronto. I am very excited about the upcoming Nuit Blance (October 2nd, 2010) because I will also be having a solo show at the Engine Gallery in The Distillery District, featuring a new body of work. The show will start September 16th and go untill October 17th.

W: What do you love most about living in Toronto?
N: The presence of so many cultures in one place is so amazing! I have found a lot of wonderful friends in Toronto, people from different backgrounds and cultures. Living in Toronto expanded my views as a person and influenced my work as an artist in so many ways.

W: You were born and raised in Israel. Do you think that has influenced you at all as an artist? And if so, how?
N: I was born and raised in Israel and immigrated to Canada in 2003. As time goes by, I realize how my past and the memories from my childhood have become an integral part of my work. I believe that it is part of human nature to feel such a strong connection to the old and sometimes raw memories from childhood. And therefore it is only natural that I relate to that place.

W: What is one thing that you've done in your life that you'll always remember, feel proud of, or regret?
N: Nothing compares to being a mother. Literally, everything gets a different perspective when I think of my children and their presence in our lives. Being a mom is in some way being rediscovered again.

W: What is one thing you have yet to do, and are determined to accomplish?
N: There is something interesting about returning home after traveling. The perspective of my surroundings change and transform, and walking through unfamiliar cities always helps me see my own city with more imagination. So, I am trying to travel by my self at least once a year.

W: Do you have any advice for other women who want to tap into their creative side, but have been too afraid to try, or don't know where to start?
N: The vast majorities of people, who express themselves creatively each day actually live ordinary lives and work at relatively mainstream jobs. It is possible to create art while still working in a bank, teaching at school or toiling in a factory. Different activities in your life can contribute to your creative expression by providing subject matter, emotional energy, and a new connection to life. I also think that it's important to set aside a time for art-making. In my experience, satisfying results correlate with the ability to stick to the discipline of patience. I think that art making takes time, so if I can stay engaged, creative illuminations will eventually appear. 

navawaxman.com

Carli Mia
		About the author:
		Carli Mia, also known as Carli Rothman, also known as Carli Stephens, also known as Carli Mia Stephens Rothman, is a prairie-girl to the core, and a graduate of the Ryerson School of Journalism. She currently lives in downtown Toronto, and acts as the Director of Content for WOMAN.ca!
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