#6
Transportive scenic wall art, by Amnon Lipkin
I am beyond excited to introduce my first collaborative product with an artist who is very dear to my heart, and whom I have known for just about 14(!) years, Amnon Lipkin.
I first met Amnon in 2009 when I was living in Israel. Every Friday, my friends and I would take the bus to Tel Aviv to shop at the famous Shuk Ha Carmel, loading up on fresh produce for Shabbat dinner. On the street that runs parallel to the shuk is another market called Nachalat Binyamin. This market is and was always my favorite—it is specifically for artists and makers, and features some of the most creative vendors showcasing their wares for tourists and locals alike. My friend Shelley and I would always buy lots of jewelry and quirky items like tiny sunglasses that were no bigger than an inch and meant to be worn on the bridge of your nose with no purpose other than whimsy. Amnon has had a stand at this market for years, sitting at a beautiful vintage sewing machine, deftly embroidering “sketches” of daily life scenes in wooden hoops. There is something about Amnon’s work that always spoke to me—it feels so simple, so— human. His work drew me in—plump saftas in bikinis on the shores of the Mediterranean, busy cafes, tall date trees—I felt comfort and happiness from his point of view and knew we saw the world with a similar love of slow, joyful living.
Every time I visited the market, I’d stop by and visit with Amnon, admiring his latest work and occasionally adding another piece to my collection.
A few weeks ago, I asked Amnon if he’d be interested in speaking with me to share more about his work and story with On Holiday.
(and, please enjoy this very old video I made in 2014 of his work. (Throwback!))
Welcome to On Holiday! Please introduce yourself
Thank you very much. My name is Amnon, and I am an artist. I’m 48. I live and work in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Jerusalem, when I was 4 years old, I moved to Tel Aviv. I grew up there and still live there today.
How did you get into your art? What is your backstory?
I always enjoyed my creative side but did not think it was something to focus on until later in my life.
I studied math and got my BA. I became a software engineer for 3 years, and then quit. I went traveling. During those 2 years of travel, I found many random chances to create and even get paid for my service as a craftsman or an artist and that was exciting. When I was back in Tel Aviv, I tried to find a way to go on with my crafts. I focused on embroidery for a while, and a friend gave me her old sewing machine. I played around with it and came out with a plushy series of tools and machines made of fabric. That was a fun hobby at first, but in time it turned into a little business. I began focusing more on the plush business and then added a new language of sewn sketches—I am drawing with the sewing machine on canvas. Until today, this is the heart of my industry and work.
How long have you been an artist?
I have used the title of 'artist' for 10-12 years. It took me a while to get there, I was more comfortable with craftsman at first. But, I guess I was an artist from the beginning so, 48 years.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Every day life. Any little moment in the day, in the life around me, can spark something in me that would like to be expressed.
I draw a lot of Tel Aviv. It’s all around me and I feel I know many of its stories, so it’s easy for me to tell them.
I aperciate simplicity. it is usally implanted in my work. Both in the technical aspects and in the subjects.
What is your favorite way to live softly (leisurely ritual)?
At this time of my life: a morning swim in the cold sea is probably the peak of my day. I enjoy walking through the city as well. Singing with friends. Playing poker. And going to sleep.
What do you hope for the future?
2 Things:
1) I hope to become famous and successful.
2) I hope to let go of hope #1 and just be happy.
I’ve partnered with Amnon to create three very special, limited edition scenes that were inspired by my photographs I captured on my last trip to Israel. These photographs represent what I know and love about Israeli culture and life—the togetherness, the diversity, the intentionality, and the undeniable beauty the people who live there have to offer. These pieces will be hand-made to order, and will ship all the way from the shores of the Mediterranean to us.
Orders will be open until April 9th.
I hope you may be as moved as I am and choose one of these pieces to add a bit of joy to your home <3.
With love always,
Maya