We recently connected with Orna Feinstein and have shared our conversation below.

Orna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

My interest in art began in childhood when I was visiting my father’s workplace. He was an incredible silversmith, with impeccable eye hand coordination, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. This place was the first creative influence. The second influence came from nature. I have vivid memories of collecting seeds and flowers as early as age six, studying their patterns, colors and how they change throughout the seasons, and life cycles.

However, it wasn’t until I was in high school that I put these two components together. My interest in nature led me to major in biology in high school. While studying biology, I took art lessons with a local artist in the afternoon, and started to make art.
These studies lead the way for my artistic journey and influence to this day my analytic and scientific/experimental process in my art making.

I loved making art very much from the beginning, however, I was debating what should I study when I go to the university.

I applied to art school and to science/chemistry at the university, and was accepted to both schools. So, I had to make a tough decision. I decided to study chemistry and make art on weekends. After 2 years at the university, I realized I will be happier as an artist than a scientist. I left the university, and began with art studies.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At the age of 20, I made a few experimental works and got them framed. When I picked up the framed artworks from the framer, he told me the gallery/ frame shop owner wants to talk to me. He was interested in showing my work at the gallery. That was my first experience working with a gallery – exhibiting and selling my work. That year, I also sold a few artworks at a local auction house.

It wasn’t until 1997 that I focused on my art exclusively. That was when I started to explore the theme of tree trunks, rings, wood grain, and other patterns found in nature. I began with drawings and advanced to printmaking, paintings and sculptures. Soon thereafter, I received interest from numerous galleries in Texas and beyond. My first solo exhibition was in Hanover, Germany in 2001. Working with the galleries increased exposure of my art, and led to important acquisitions by corporations like Microsoft, Fidelity Investments, UT Southwestern, FirmSpace Austin, Kendra Scot New York, and many others. My art is also included in numerous private collections.

2021 marks numerous museum acquisitions. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston acquired seven of my works , in addition to another work that was acquired in 2015. One of these monoprints was hanging in the Print and Drawing Gallery at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, on the second floor at the Kinder building, during their fall 2021 exhibit. This exhibit included many works by notable artists such as Jasper Jones, Linda Ridgeway, Pablo Picasso and more. Other major acquisitions included the Art Museum of Southeast Texas in Beaumont, The Museum of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, and San Angelo Art Museum, San Angelo. Several other state and national museums are in the process of acquiring my artworks.
The City of Houston Civic Art Program acquired one of my sculptures, and it is on display at Terminal A at Bush Intercontinental airport.

I attended Glassell School of Art and specialized in printmaking. When I realized that my approach to printmaking was as a sculptor and not as a painter, I went to University of Houston, and graduated Suma Cum Laude with a BFA in sculpture.

My fascination with material, and the desire to innovate led me to the creation of 3D monoprints. Within a few years, my flat monoprints on paper advanced to printing on fabric, plexiglass and concrete. I created sculptures and room size installations from my prints on plexiglass.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I made the choice to become an artist, I decided to give myself 10 years to get there, and then asses the progress. Every year a had a list of goals I wanted to achieve. Some of them were getting accepted to certain group exhibitions, getting accepted to artist residencies, have my exhibition reviewed, give an artist talk, have a major acquisition by a Museum or certain public collection. It wasn’t luck, but hard work. I can proudly say that every year I exceeded my goals and expectations.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

There is nothing more rewarding and satisfactory than doing what you the love doing. I believe that people are the happiest when they do what they love. They are also best at what they do if that’s their life passion.

I feel lucky finding my true passion. I enjoy everyday going to the studio, and working on artworks and projects I want to do. I do not have to compromise on schedule, process, or progress. It’s the ultimate in professional and artistic life. I can balance my art activities with family time, and leisure time, often combining some of them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ornafeinstein.com
• Instagram: #ornafeinstein
• Facebook: Orna Feinstein
• Linkedin: Orna Feinstein
• Youtube: Orna Feinstein

Image Credits
Rick Wells