Photo: Courtesy of Nava Shoham
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, your inspiration to become an artist, and your specialty.
I was born and raised in Israel, loving art and painting from early age. Today I live in New Jersey with my husband and three children. I served several years in the Israeli Air Force as a technical illustrator. Graduated Graphic and Art College, specializing in fine art and calligraphy. Moving on to study fashion design at the high fashion institute “Shenkar” in the fashion design faculty, where I developed a passion to illustrate themes from the fashion world, portraits with a unique and fresh approach to the subject, experimenting with mixed media on paper, canvas, skins, and more. I started working as an Art Director at a major publishing house where I gained experience as a graphic designer, illustrator, a printer lithographer, and silkscreen. My work included the full supervision of preparing the artwork for the final print, proofing and operating multiple software and systems.
Specialty:
Fine Art, Calligraphy, Printing in various media and forms.
How and where do you work?
My art studio in Montclair. In addition, I am a Fitness professional training people with much passion to promote a healthy lifestyle. The energy of life is always infused in my art.
What is the most indispensable item in your studio?
My paint brushes, colors and music.
Where do you take your inspiration? Are you pursuing any themes?
I am inspired by almost everything… nature elements, urban energy, music, films and just life.
What projects are you currently working on?
I paint and create using various media such as calf skins, parchment, wood, canvas, papers etc. The combination of new materials, paints and ideas reveals new compositions, new dynamic approach, which makes the entire creative process so exciting!
What are your favourite items in your current collection?
Artworks painted on vellum (calf skin).
How do you know when a piece is finished?
When I complete an artwork I would sign, and leave it for a day or so in the studio. I always go back to add more, sometimes it feels like a never ending story… sometimes it’s a statement! Once I feel it is truly completed, I would place it safely (or ship away) and peek from time to time.
Do you do bespoke work?
Yes, I do. My originals and art print.
What was the first artwork you ever sold?
A portrait about 40″ painting on paper, or a Home Blessing/Ketubah. I can’t remember which came first.
Which project have you enjoyed working on the most so far?
Creating and painting art for over 26 years, I am grateful that my Judaic and contemporary artworks were selected by museums, galleries, private collectors, celebrities, major media and music publications, TV shows, states and communities. I have designed Passover Seder plate sets, as well as The Jerusalem Lion to represent Israel, commissioned by the Israeli government officials: The Prime Minister, Ambassador to Switzerland, The Chief Sephardic Rabbi, and many more.
What do you want to achieve with your work and what are your wishes for the future?
Art is life. I let the art surprise, through painting and creating I evolve… it’s an organic process… there’s no destination, art is a lifetime creative journey.
Where can we find your work?
Major galleries online and in the US, Etsy.
Website: http://1800ketubah.com
Instagram: navashoham
Facebook: 1800Ketubahcom
