The world is at a standstill and social distancing is part of a new norm, but studio life goes on! Braverman Gallery reached out to Reuven Israel who joined us for a short conversation that offers a glimpse into the artist’s studio, work and thought process, and life under lock down.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALIZE YOU WANTED TO BECOME AND ARTIST?
When I was 18, I decided that I wanted to be a painter. During my studies at Bezalel, I gradually shifted to sculpture. I felt that painting is restricted to the canvas, and I liked the autonomy sculpture has as an object.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST FASCINATED BY THESE DAYS?
Coral reefs.

WHAT ARTISTS OR ARTWORKS ARE YOU MOST INFLUENCED BY?
I like the work of Diane Simpson, and I enjoy my ongoing dialog with Joshua Neustein.

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW?
“Parables For The Virtual” by Brian Massumi. It’s mostly related to new media, but I find it very relevant to what I’m working on these days.

DO YOU HAVE A STUDIO ROUTINE? WHAT IS IT LIKE?
I usually work on a group of works simultaneously and divide the work into stages. I dedicate full days to sketching and computer work, followed by weeks of woodworking, alone or with an assistant. After that, there is a finishing phase of applying paint or some other forms of finish, followed by days of assembling the parts together into the final sculptures.

CHOOSE AN IMPORTANT OBJECT IN YOUR STUDIO. WHY IS IT MORE SIGNIFICANT THAN OTHERS?
A modeling tool/knife which I never use for its original purpose. Instead, I use it for all kinds of other things, from applying fillers, taking out nails, and even carving into wood, I would be lost without it.

WHICH CITY WOULD YOU SAY HAS IMPACTED YOUR ARTISTIC PRACTICE, AND HOW?
Jerusalem, where I grew up. My late father wrote a guidebook to monasteries in the Holy Land, and I used to accompany him when he was doing his research. I used to sit and stare at all the architectural elements and ritual objects as I waited for him in the chapels. On other occasions, I accompanied him to dark back offices in the private quarters of the monasteries. It was like going backstage at a theater.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE YOU MADE IN YOUR LIFE?
Not traveling more in my twenties.

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL LUNCH.
It’s more about the company and the break from work. I’m lucky to usually have at least one friend from a neighboring studio to get lunch with. The closest place to grab a bite is a falafel joint across the street.

ANY ONLINE RECOMMENDATIONS?
Lectures by Terence McKenna on Youtube.