Ouch! Magazine
Meet Israeli Artist Lissa Mel
[as originally published on ouchmagazine.com]
Photographer Chris Martin
Lissa, your journey from a secure business job in Tel Aviv to pursuing art in Los Angeles is quite remarkable. What inspired this transition, and how has it influenced your artistic vision and practice?
Although I held a secure business position in Tel Aviv, I always envisioned fully committing to art someday. The transition to Los Angeles was driven by my dream to dedicate myself entirely to art. This city, with its vibrant artistic community and bustling movie industry, has been an incredible source of inspiration. My artistic vision and practice have been profoundly influenced by the diverse cultural traditions found here, enabling a rich exploration of different styles and narratives. Los Angeles offers a unique environment where art and cinema intersect, which continually enriches my work and drives my creative evolution.
Your abstract art delves into the molecular level of matter, capturing the vibrational wave in a unique way. Can you elaborate on how your background in science and physics informs your artistic exploration of matter and energy?
From a young age, I was fascinated by physics, chemistry and astronomy, immersing myself in these subjects during high school. This foundational understanding of the sciences deeply influenced my artistic process. In addition, my regular yoga and meditation practices further enrich this connection. In my meditative states, I perceive the world at a molecular level, visualizing matter and energy as vibrant, interacting particles. These visions are then transformed into the abstract art that I create, capturing the dynamic vibrational waves of matter in a unique way. Thus, my work is a blend of scientific insight and spiritual practice, bridging the gap between the empirical and the experiential.
Owning a gallery in Santa Monica is a significant achievement. What motivated you to start your own gallery, and what have been some of the challenges and rewards of running it?
Owning a gallery in Santa Monica has been both a significant achievement and a natural step for me. I’ve always been passionate about working with artists and feel inspired by being part of their creative process. The opportunity to start my own gallery came about when everything seemed to align perfectly—supportive people and the right circumstances converged, making it clear that it was the right time to make the move. Running the gallery allows me to foster a vibrant artistic community, creating a space for like-minded individuals to collaborate and grow.
However, the journey does not come without its own set of challenges. Working with other artists can be complex, as meeting their individual expectations and achieving immediate market success often takes time. The art market doesn’t always respond quickly, and it can be challenging to balance the creative aspirations of artists with the commercial realities of the gallery. Despite these challenges, the rewards are immense. Building a community, witnessing the evolution of artists, and contributing to the cultural landscape are deeply fulfilling aspects of running my gallery.
As an immigrant artist and gallery owner, what do you feel sets the art scene in Los Angeles apart from the Middle East, and how do you navigate the differences in culture and artistic expression?
Navigating the cultural and artistic differences between these regions involves a deep understanding and appreciation of both. In Los Angeles, the artistic expressions are as diverse as its population, embracing a wide range of styles and narratives that reflect its multicultural makeup. This contrasts with the Middle East, where art often intertwines more directly with regional histories and cultural narratives. Balancing these perspectives in my work and gallery has been a rewarding challenge, allowing me to blend diverse artistic traditions and innovations… READ MORE