1. When did you first get into art? What medium was it?
I first got into art at six years old. I used pencils to create my first work of art. Soon after, I went to school where I began to copy Van Goh paintings on canvas with acrylic paint.
2. How did immigrating from Israel to America affect or change you as an artist?
Immigrating is an incredibly hard process in general, regardless of where it is you immigrate to. This was my second time migrating, but I was very curious to learn about the art world here in the United States. I found that there was simply more of everything here than any country I’d been to before. So, from the perspective of an artist, it seemed like there would be many interesting artists to collaborate with and I find it beautiful when two different cultures come together to create something new. I think everyone can benefit from the mixing of cultures and I realized the United States is the biggest melting pot of cultures, which intrigues me.
3. Do your Israeli roots influence your art today?
My Israeli roots sometimes show in my art. For example, my paintings “The Vision Within You” and “The Vessel” have to do with the star of David. And my most recent works are dedicated to Israel as they depict the Israeli flag colors.
4. What concepts do you most like to explore in your art?
I like to explore the material vs. spiritual world in my art. There is so much I want to express through the physical medium of art, utilizing new techniques in color and medium to depict how I see beyond the physical realm and into the spiritual.
5. You now own The Messengers Art Gallery in Santa Monica, CA. How have you maintained such a successful art gallery in Los Angeles? What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a gallery owner?
Owning a gallery can be challenging for several reasons. One of which is the challenge to align your team with your vision. It is crucial that every team member shares a cohesive vision and goal for the gallery in order to execute projects effectively. Sometimes, team members may not fully grasp or align with the owner’s vision, making it the owner’s responsibility to foster understanding and alignment. Another difficulty arises from the diversity of mindsets among the team. Not everyone is equally flexible in their approach to work. People have different working styles and strengths, which sometimes leads to clashes or misunderstandings. As a gallery owner, it’s important to identify and leverage each team member’s strengths, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can come together harmoniously to achieve the gallery’s overarching vision. Achieving this balance of cohesion and alignment can be a persistent challenge in the art world.
As a gallery owner, one of the most significant challenges I face is navigating the intersection of art and artificial intelligence (AI). The rapid advancements in AI technology are reshaping the art world, raising concerns about the integrity and soul of art. AI-generated art poses a fundamental question about what constitutes genuine artistic expression and creativity. While AI can produce impressive works based on algorithms and data, it lacks the intrinsic human experience and emotions that define art. As a result, there’s a risk of diluting the unique essence and soul of art in favor of technological novelty. In this era, it’s vital to champion the preservation of art’s humane soul—its ability to evoke emotions, tell stories, and reflect the human experience. As AI evolves, gallery owners must remain vigilant in curating exhibitions that celebrate the authenticity and creativity rooted in human artists. This commitment ensures that art continues to resonate with audiences on a deeper emotional level, safeguarding its timeless significance amidst technological advancements.
6. Are there any artists (alive or not) who serve as your greatest inspirations?
Yes there are! I am deeply inspired by Agnes Pelton, Salvador Dalí, Gustav Klimt And Olafur Eliasson.
7. How would you describe your artistic style and philosophy?
My artistic style is abstract and abstract figurative. My philosophy is to strive to create divine art that serves humanity in the best way I can.
8. How do you select art for your gallery? What do you look for in art you select for your gallery?
I select the art I show in my gallery based on how I feel about the art and the artist. I do not show artists that I don’t feel right about. It doesn’t matter how famous or good they are, it is about me being able to sell it. If I don’t like it, I can’t sell it.
9. Are you comfortable touching on the current state of your homeland? If so, we’d love to hear your hopes for a better future for your homeland.
The whole situation is nothing but heart-breaking. All of my family is in Israel, so it has been a scary time for me. Personally, I believe in peace, not war. I believe any answer or resolution should come from love, as hate only breeds hate. It is the law of energy. I truly believe that peace will come soon. I, along with many others all over the world, am praying that everyone remains safe and returns home.
10. What is next for Lissa Mel?
I am currently preparing for a show in Dallas called “The Other Art Fair.” And we have a show in my gallery at the end of this month as well. I have some new ideas for sculptures that I’m excited to share!
Leave a Reply