We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Djivan Schapira a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Djivan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Working on meaningful projects as an artist holds immense importance as it allows for the exploration of one’s creative potential while making a positive impact on society. Meaningful projects provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, giving artists the opportunity to convey powerful messages, provoke thought, and evoke emotions through their work. In addition, engaging in meaningful projects also fosters personal growth and self-expression, allowing artists to connect deeply with their own values and beliefs. Ultimately, by dedicating their artistic abilities to projects that hold significance, artists contribute to the enrichment of both their own lives and the world around them.

Djivan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Djivan Schapira. I am a 29-year old French-born artist and maker of collectible design based in Union City, New Jersey.

My works of functional art, dubbed retro-contemporary, draw inspiration from growing up in the forest of the French countryside, my love for the space-race era, and experiences one can only gain from growing up in New York City.

I would say that my creative and technical abilities are in my DNA as my father, Antoine Schapira, is a master craftsman. From the age of 10 I embarked on a 15 year long apprenticeship where I learned most of my initial wood working abilities.

After graduating from the Architecture program at Parsons School of Design, I decided to combine the two practices I loved most – resin & woodworking – to collaborate with interior designers from around the world on hospitality, restaurant, and residential projects, until the year 2021, when discovery & curiosity would peak new interests into the world of Collectible Design.

In February of 2022, I debuted my first solo show, Djivan Schapira: Au Bout Du Bois presented by High Line Nine Galleries, in the Chelsea gallery district of New York City. The show featured ten unique works which evoked new form and composition and used color as a main driver to spark interest.

Since then I have been lucky enough to sign with words renown blue chip gallery Todd Merrill Studio which now represents me exclusively. Together we have partaken in some high end shows including Salon Art & Design at the Armory in NYC and now I am currently showing 5 new pieces in the gallery’s pop up location at the legendary Bergdorf Goodman store on 5th Avenue.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

To best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, society can take a few key steps. Firstly, it is crucial to value and compensate artists fairly for their work, ensuring they can sustain their careers. Communities should establish accessible cultural spaces and venues, encouraging collaboration and networking among artists. Investing in arts education at all levels nurtures creativity and innovation. Governments can implement policies that facilitate the growth of the creative sector, such as tax incentives and legal protections for artistic expression. Lastly, society should actively engage with the arts by attending exhibitions and performances, supporting local artists and fostering a vibrant creative community.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative lies in the profound sense of personal fulfillment and self-expression that it brings. Artists have the privilege of turning their imagination into tangible works of art, channeling their emotions, thoughts, and perspectives into a visual, auditory, or literary form that resonates with others. The process of creating something original and unique allows artists to explore their own identity, beliefs, and values, fostering a deep connection with their inner selves. Moreover, the ability to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and inspire change through their creative expressions brings a profound sense of purpose and impact. Artists have the opportunity to touch the lives of others, create meaningful connections, and contribute to the enrichment of society, making their artistic journey incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.   

Contact Info:

• Website: djivanschapira.com
• Instagram: @djivan_schapira