Irena Budagov

How did you decide to focus your work on the idea of joy?

My Hebrew name is Simha, which translates to joy, happiness and cheerfulness. This name characterizes me precisely. When I began to produce my artwork, I thought that this characteristic is exactly what I wish to bring to my customers’ home and ambiance.

Can you talk about some benefits and challenges of being a 

self-taught artist.

Trial and error. On one hand, this allows me to explore and search for my favorite way to express what I have in mind. On the other, sometimes the process takes me to places and products that are far from what I imagined and the surprising outcome is exciting.

How did your family support you in your journey of becoming an artist?

It is never easy to take the artistic path, as the course of finding my unique signature takes a while to formulate. While searching for it, it wasn’t easy to be supported, but as I grew into it - I gained self-confidence and my confidence in my work and chosen path reflected from within and received the adequate response from my relatives. 

Gifting a painting is like sharing a part of yourself with another person. Can you talk about one especially memorable experience of gifting your painting? 

I am the living “sharing is caring” cliche. As such, my path began from gifting my works. My count totals some 30 works that were given out to friends family and colleagues, each personally chosen and tailored to the receiving subject. A large share of my motto is that with each artwork, I give a part of my Simha, joy - to anyone who views the work and enjoys it.

I get a sense that your abstract paintings have very positive energies and healing powers. Can you talk about how you achieve that with color?

It is all part of the process that I am going through with every work. Plus, my loving approach to the process. I believe that the positive energy and healing powers that I bring to the process reflect on the work. My work is layered - each having its own texture, all which - when combined, form layers of profound depth that essentially describes my inner world. 

Do you have any exhibits coming up?

I am planning to come up with my debut exhibition this summer, and am very excited about it. 

Can you talk about the piece you are currently working on?

There are currently two commission works in progress, for custom-made to an office building in Tel Aviv. The third project in the pipeline is currently being sketched, and I am examining the different materials I will be using to execute it. 

What is the golden medium in your artwork? What emotions does that color evoke in you?

I use numerous, the prominent of them being my signature golden leaves. Other materials of my work include, golden powder, spray, paint, the joint combination of which creates a unique texture and gives embossment surface that completes and complements the overall result. 

What is your artistic community like in Israel?

It is gradually growing - thanks to social media. There are plenty talented artists that are becoming my friends. Special attention needs to be given to the mutual support of members of the community to one another.

What are some of your goals for the future?

The basic and most immediate goal is to have an impact on people and youngsters to pursuit their goals and dreams. I am willing to go international with it, to collaborate with interesting artists and creators to create together.

What advice do you have for young artists interested in 

modern art?

First and foremost - self-belief. Then, keep on going. Even if it means that every step you make is a baby step, go on and keep on moving. When you do, make sure you enjoy the process, pay attention to the details and grow from both your successes and fallbacks.