Shira Barzilay: Humanity
It’s now been several months since lockdowns and quarantines have forced us to temporarily adjust to a new way of living. For many of us, it was an easy sacrifice to swap out an office desk for the comfort of our couch. We grinned knowing that our morning routines no longer required early commutes and found pleasure working in joggers and t-shirts. We simply rolled out of bed and went about our days in the best way we could, only now- always indoors.
Overtime though, our initial anxiety for our safety has gradually eased with news of test vaccines and successful isolation results. Thankfully now- we are beginning to worry less about our physical well being and have to come to realise (or rather finally understand) that our mental health and human thirst for creativity also needs our attention too. Being indoors can be strenuous on the mind and with Covid-19 bringing much of the art industry to a damaging standstill, our seek for inspiration has to be done within the four walls of our homes. More often or not- done online.
For those looking for inspired works to stimulate imagination but do not want to waste their precious time filtering through the nonsense that is the internet, may I suggest starting off with Koketit? You won’t be sorry. Similar to a Nolan film or a Nancy Meyer script, its almost always a safe bet that the pieces and projects of Tel Aviv based artist Shira Barzilay will not only bring a smile to your face (which lets face it- we all need at the moment) but also ignite a childlike curiosity to explore one’s creativity.
At first glance her signature one line minimalistic style appears simple enough, triggering an almost ‘I could probably do that’ attitude - but I challenge you to pick up a pen and compare techniques. Undoubtedly our attempts will most likely look like foolish scribbles and probably not worth much at all. You’ve more than likely seen her works before and after spending some time scrolling through her Instagram feed, you’ll start to understand her popularity.
Growing up as an almost nomad child travelling the world with her parents, Shira Barzilay found a fondness for storytelling and has seemingly always been curious about other peoples experiences. So with human interest locked in and a pencil always in hand from an early age, Barzilay has manifested her intrigue in people and stories through art- in which we as an audience are fortunate enough to witness and take part in.
What is your first memory of art?
SB: I have been drawing ever since I can remember. Visiting my aunt, the artist, at her studio, and smelling oil and turpentine was intoxicating to me. I was hooked. I instantly wanted to paint something.
She and my whole family really encouraged me to explore my creativity. I was very encouraged to draw all the time.
Can you tell us about your one-line minimalist style and where it came from?
SB: I have been drawing KOKETIT faces ever since I can remember. But in a more figurative style. It was an immature approach to what eventually grew into my current style. But it was the search in life and in art, that brought me here.
Discovering that minimalism suited me was such a surprise. I had always seen myself as a more is more kind of person and here I was connecting to the immense intensity of one single line. It was a perfect fit.
Since I am a very fast sketcher, I draw from my intuition. This is a process of letting go your judgmental thoughts. You simply don’t have time. If you slow down, you’re over thinking it. The one line minimalistic approach is all about surrendering to your hand, and giving it the autonomy to take you where it wants to go, and trusting that. There is no room for embellishment, for fake hoo ha’s, only the truth.
Sometimes your work can receive backlash and can be considered controversial especially with your interpretation of the human body- how do you respond to that?
SB: As an artist, the only conversation I take part in is the one I have with myself, upon creation. The minute I send it off to the world, I cannot and will not defend myself. It’s subjected to interpretation but anyone and I cannot control it. I have to let go and trust that my message will come across. Sometimes it doesn’t, and that’s ok. I will have learned from it for the next one.
Which project have you been the most proud of?
SB: I love and cherish all my projects as they all have their own unique quality. The best part of what I do is getting to directly interact with my followers on Instagram, and hear when they tell me that I inspired them to create their own. They send me their artworks and it brings me so much joy. Makes me super proud to be a motivating force. It’s what it’s all about for me.
Through your art work and various projects- is there a message that you want viewers to take away with?
SB: My work is autobiographical. It is a reflection of my thoughts and feelings and also my therapeutic outlet. I know that if I’m feeling it, others will too and that might speak to them and move them in some way. I put a lot of emphasis on the important of staying true to who you are, and the way to do it is by exploring your own creativity. Through art, we are able to know ourselves better – and it makes the journey of life that much better. In other words – know thyself!
Can you tell us about a dream project?
SB: I just got my first set of VR glasses just last week and I’ve been experimenting with an app called TILT BRUSH – where I drawing in a virtual reality space. It’s a new sensation I’ve never experienced in my life and it excites me in ways I cannot describe. I’m really looking forward to seeing where it will take me.
How do you create- do you have a process or a particular way of going about things?
SB: Ideally, I will create art at the night time, where I am least likely to be disturbed by outside interferences. I usually listen to classical music, Chopin being my favourite. It’s about getting in a mood and a work flow – so it’s best to work in sessions. Almost like a workout session. At first you warm up your creative juices and your hands, and then it’s all about just exploring. You’re on a journey and you just let it flow. Once I’m in the mood, and lady muse graces me with her presence, that’s where I feel magic happens. I work until I feel fatigue, or if I feel I’ve peaked. I’ll just put the pencil down, in a non-dramatic way. Until next time.
Do you have comments against other individuals copying or taking credit for your style?
SB: Social media changed my life and brought me so many amazing gifts. But there are two sides to a coin, and on the flip – that kind of exposure to the world created a massive wave of copyrights violation and rip offs. The range is versatile – and I do not take offense at young individuals who are inspired by my style and ideas. It is when that infringement reached the window displays of large commercial department stores, that can sometimes break my spirit because it’s very trampling. But you have to dust it off and keep going.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
SB: That’s a scary question. I don’t know. I only hope that I will be happy and satisfied with the path I have chosen to take that led me to where I am.
Words / QUADE AU