June 2005
Miki Kehati
Mattah, Israel
miki_ke@hotmail.com
I grew up in Jerusalem near the old city. I was influenced by the diversity of its people, by the smell, the spices, its ancient, its archeology, and its architecture. In the same street were buildings from different eras, Ottoman - Turkish, British, Mamaluke etc. It was a rich world filled with light – very strong, bright and clear, with sharp contrast.
My family has always been involved in the arts, so it was natural that I would grow up with art at the center of my consciousness and interest. Both my grandfathers and their parents, who were born in Yemen, were artists. My paternal grandfather was a scribe and goldsmith & my maternal grandfather, a stone carver and sculptor. My father is a writer and my late mother was an interior designer.
I live now in Judean mountains, near Jerusalem, in nature, surrounded by herbs & spices typical of the region, that grow naturally, with fruit trees like figs, olive, pomegranate, carob & more….
Living in NYC for 10 years (1984-1994), help me to shape my artistic persona, it refined my expression and determined my choice of medium. I returned enriched and eager for new expression. Although I currently run a recycled paper studio, working with disadvantaged youth in Jerusalem, Israel, I continue to paint manifesting my perception of the beautiful, colorful, optimistic aspects of life in a complex, war-ridden world. The visual representation of the interaction of the mosaic of nationalities and religions as well as the contrast between the cultures of east and west, continuing to be so evident in the world in which I live. It is an integral part of my continuing development as an artist.
I start my work on a small scale 12” x 8” delicate paper using objects, & images with gouache paint. When I’m happy with the results I transfer every thing to a large-scale canvas, using acrylic paint, varnishes etc. For me color’s ability to effect as well as affect the viewer, it is itself a powerful communication medium. Color is vital, even dominant aspect of my work. I see the harmonious use of color in the achievement of the impact I seek as an art in itself. When I achieve this end I consider it as magic in its impact and as my communication medium of my ‘message’.
