Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I was born in New York, grew up in Far Rockaway and am 28 years old. I grew up Orthodox and went to Yeshiva. I became more secular as a teenager and returned to Orthodoxy around the age of 23. It was a really long journey and it’s still going. When I was 24 years old I made Aliyah and went to go learn at Yeshiva Ohr Sameach. I then served in the IDF as a combat soldier in Givati for a year and 8 months. After my service, I returned to Yeshiva and got married. Today I am living in Ramat Eshkol with my wife and daughter. I study at Yeshiva Mirr in the mornings, I paint in the afternoons, and I go to learn a little more at night.
What inspired you to become an artist?
When I was kid, I was always drawing. Drawing my teachers, my friends, everything. I never really took it seriously until my wife, after hearing about my talent, asked me to paint something nice for our apartment. I painted a nice Kotel painting, and haven’t stopped since. Ever since I picked up that paintbrush again a few years ago, I constantly have the desire to make something beautiful; something that can be appreciated and enjoyed without sacrificing any moral values. Painting is a beautiful way to express yourself and give people Simcha; and the journey is so exciting. I usually never know how a painting will turn out. Many times it ends up as a surprise to me as well, and I find myself enjoying the piece as a viewer just like everyone else.
What is your specialty?
I can do very realistic work but I love working with bright colors with thick noticeable brushstrokes. I also work with gold leaf, sometimes glazing over the gold so that it shines through the painting, giving it a very luminous quality.
How and where do you work?
I work in my Jerusalem apartment. (Thanks to my wife, because it can get messy.) I work in the afternoons after Yeshiva.
What is the most indispensable item in your studio?
Paint.
Where do you take your inspiration? Are you pursuing any themes?
I appreciate the beauty of life, and when I paint, I just want to bring out the beauty that is already there. This can be accomplished by adding color to a concept that is simple yet inspiring. I do a lot of Jewish themed art; but I don’t limit myself to it.
What projects are you currently working on?
So many… I am working on some landscape scenes inspired by Northern Israel, to name some.
What is your favourite item in your current collection?
My palette knife painting of Shar Yaffo
How do you know when a piece is finished?
I usually don’t, honestly.
Do you do bespoke work?
Yes
What was the first artwork you ever sold?
A commissioned portrait of Rav Chaim Kanievsky.
Which project have you enjoyed working on the most so far?
My Har Sinai painting on gold leaf. I love the process of glazing over gold leaf with different colors.
What do you want to achieve with your work and what are your wishes for the future?
I would love for it to be a source of livelihood. I can’t see my life without painting, at the moment. I love creating things; the challenge, the process, and the end result.
Where can we find your work?
Website: Devorgallery.com
Instagram: @Devorgallery
