In the chaos of the modern world in recent years, finding moments of true solace and self-expression can seem like an elusive pursuit. For me, on the other hand, the ability to simply "draw" proved to be a lifeline, a refuge where I disconnect from the world and find solace in the white page. Through my art, I discovered a deep connection between the ability to sink into the painting and my mental and physical health, while revealing the therapeutic power it has.
My love for painting and art has helped me overcome challenges throughout my life. As a small child I tried to find my role in the world and my social slot and very quickly realized that I was one of the few who knew how to draw. I gained my "relative advantage" over the others around me, and many times this was the way for me to deal with social interaction.
(In the picture: I cried Friday with the shirt I drew for one of my friends)
For example, it was my way of attracting attention and getting everyone to gather around me and watch me draw or just to impress one of the girls in the class when I drew something beautiful for her in a notebook (maybe even to this day). I was satisfied with the fact that I was always the one drawing the yearbook or the shirt for summer scout camp, but on the other hand, when I felt lost or alone, I would pull out the notebook and lose myself in it and disconnect from the world.
The act of painting for me is a meditative act for everything. It gives me the ability to concentrate for long periods of time and gives a safe place for all the thoughts I have in my head. At the heart of this ability is the possibility that the act of painting offers me an escape from the incessant noise of everyday life, just like in meditation. When I start to paint and let myself sink into the small details, be 100% focused and at the same time let my thoughts run free. The feeling is as if the world around me stops or fades into the background. The lines, colors and shapes become the tools of the game in the world that I myself create, and time itself becomes a distant concept. This immersive experience of being immersed in painting provides a much-needed respite, and allows me to once again be that 4-year-old boy who started drawing the same characters he saw on TV.
There are moments in life when words fail to capture the complexity of our feelings, leaving us stunned and suffocated. This is where painting comes in as a powerful medium for emotional release. Painting is also my private psychologist. With every stroke of a pencil, I find myself giving expression to my feelings or even the deepest feelings that exist at that moment. It's a cathartic process, a way of externalizing what often seems indescribable. I drew this painting at the age of 16, when I was sitting next to my grandmother in a hospital while she was being ventilated and sedated 24 hours before she passed away, and all I wanted to do was scream at the world in pain.
More than once I have drawn significant figures in my life who have passed away. Several years ago I drew a dear friend who tragically lost her life in a terrorist attack. Drawing her appeal was my way of keeping her alive in my heart and mind. Giving the painting to her parents brought closure and healing to all of us, and gave them a tangible tribute to their daughter and me a sense of peace, knowing that her memory lives on through my art. In moments like these, I bless the gift I received.
Equally transformative is the role of painting in allowing me to express thoughts and ideas. There is an unspoken language between my thoughts and the lines I draw. The abstract becomes tangible, the intangible finds form, and the unspoken finds voice. I believe that everyone, regardless of age or background, has the ability to benefit from the therapeutic power of art. In the strokes of my pencil, I discovered not only the ability to detach and unwind, but also a deep connection between drawing and my general well-being.
Painting was not just a personal outlet; It was the way to express my feelings when I didn't have the courage to say. Almost every girl I created was a silent confession of my feelings. However, there is one unforgettable instance when my mother saw the drawing and responded with the revelation "Roi, are you sure you didn't draw her boobs too big?", she just forgot for a moment that I was a 14-year-old teenage boy. The situation embarrassed me and that girl never accepted the drawing .
The engraving of the tattoos that I painted is also a powerful way to express significant aspects of my life on "my most private canvas" - my body. Each tattoo I created tells a unique story, symbolizes a significant point in my life. They serve as a visual reminder of moments of strength, resilience and personal growth. Whether it's the lion symbol that wraps around a brush and pencil, the little boy inside me that will always keep me young, or my dog that symbolizes for me an important lesson in taking responsibility for other lives besides my own. Through the tattoos I found another dimension of self-expression that goes beyond paper and gives a new layer in my life.
To tell the truth, adopting the decision to place art at the center of my life is a scary and difficult choice. It's a choice that not only enriched my life but also allowed me to take advantage of the deep therapeutic potential of creative expression. Through this change, I discovered that art is not just a refuge or my way of receiving compliments; It is a lifeline for my mental health, a tool for emotional authenticity, and a bridge to deeper connections with others. It is a reminder that choosing to prioritize what brings us joy and fulfillment can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life. By putting my art in the spotlight, I found not only my passion but also a path to deep personal growth and well-being.
It is a journey that I cherish, a journey that taught me the beauty of expressing the inexpressible and finding peace in the creative process.