We had planned to go to Jerusalem but chose to visit Haifa instead. Yesterday was an important commemoration day for all Israeli soldiers who died in battles with many official ceremonies taking place in Jerusalem in the area of the Kotel (Western Wall). So we headed north instead. Charlotte did a school project based on Rina Frank's book (My sister and I - in Hebrew Every house has a balcony). The story is about a Rumanian family in late 40's that has just immigrated in Israel and lives in Haifa in a neighborhood called Wadi Salib. The book is really nice to read especially for us who have parents/grandparents from Rumania. Lots of "shared" memories let's say.... But, important for Charlotte's project was the Wadi Salib area: history, architecture, social & political environement etc... She researched it for a long time and now finally she could see it with her own eyes and camera! Loved it! Of course we also went to the Bahai temple, to the German Colony, to Wadi Ninas for the market and the best falafel in the world. In the evening we ate in Tel Aviv in restaurant Hasdera - great place with good food and really nice people serving it :-). We had planned to experience the independance day (evening) celebrations - many parties going on in Tel Aviv but we were really tired and wanted to wake up early today to head to the Dead Sea. At 2pm we must be at our cousins in Beer Sheva for the traditional independance day BBQ! We kept it simple: Stephane went to bed and Charlotte and I went for Mohito's accross the street at the Havana club... really tasty!
I am so happy! Charlotte has arrived on Sunday night. As usual with almost all flights to Israel, she arrived in the middle of the night. However, we woke up early so as not to miss too much of the precious days we have here together. We went to the Gallery, had Israeli breakfast on the beach (SoFrishman), went by bus to the other side of town to take from the bronze foundry one of my sculptures that was ready, walked to the art supply store to buy canvasses for Stephane, took the "Shirut" (shared cab) back to the gallery, had a falafel, walked to aunt Rosi, took the bus back to the Dizengpoff Center (shopping mall), did a bit of shopping, walked back to the gallery, waited for Stephane to finish some work (Charlotte helped him) , walked home, had dinner... and collapsed!!!! I think Charlotte enjoyed her first day... so did I! Today we had planned to go to Jerusalem. However today is a commemoration for all the Israeli soldiers who died and Jerusalem might be difficult to reach.... We will check before and eventually go to Haifa instead!
No, Stephane is not bored just relaxing and thinking after spending a few hours working intensively on a new project! On Saturdays there is a nice atmosphere in the street. Especially after 4pm, when people start returning from the beach while others go there for a nice stroll after the crowd is gone. Today we first went to the Marina to discuss a project with a client. After that I spent a few hours on the beach, returned to the gallery and had lunch there with Stephane. Then we both worked. I prepared input for the guy who will design and build our website while Stephane worked on a new creation. I am very anxious and excited because Charlotte is coming tomorrow! I really look forward to the week we will spend here together. I am so curious about her reactions.... One more day and she'll be here!
When Stephane lived in Israel (from 1976 till 1982) he was staying in a kibbutz in the north called Amiad. There he was "adopted" by a family, family Peled. Stephane had lost all contact with them and until our visit 2 years ago. We went to Amiad where Stephane met Amos whom he had not seen for 25 years and whom he actually considers as a brother. The reunion was great! And now, even though the 2,5 hours drive makes it difficult to see each other a lot, they keep the contact, call each other, etc... Amos is married to Shula and they have 4 children, the youngest, Yael, is 13 years old. Last friday they came to Tel Aviv to see us and the gallery. Sigal, Amos's sister who lives in Tel Aviv was there as well. We had a really nice afternoon: lunch, a short stroll through the neighborhood.... It was great!
Yesterday for the first time I was working (sculpting) in the gallery. Found the right spot, was in the right mood... good concentration... Some people came in and asked if I was giving lessons. Maybe an idea for later.... Anyway I had a few good hours and it felt great!
We have been so busy at the gallery that we have hardly noticed what goes on around us. Passover has just ended (yesterday), people will resume work, tourists will go back home probably this weekend. The weather has been strange. The day before yesterday it was suddenly extraordinarly hot (over 35 degrees C) and today it is a bit grey, they say that it will rain. Israeli's are happy about this. They say that in a couple of months - maybe even earlier - I will think back and look for this weather. Well, I don't think so! I have lived all my life under grey skies, rain and uncertain weather. I'll go for everyday sunshine, blue sky and warm at least for the next few years :-). Meanwhile it is cool at the gallery. In all senses of the word. Stephane works on his " tribal" stickers (they really like this here!) and on a pop art wall. Visitors keep coming in and hopefully one of them will soon become our first customer!
The first week went so fast! Every day we have had visitors and not only friends and family, but also people we did not know and who were truly interested in our work! This is very encouraging. Visitors liked the sculptures, others wanted to buy stickers... Yesterday our cousins from Beer Sheva came for a visit. Adi, Rivka and their daughter Noa who sat for a while and seemed to really enjoy the gallery!
How do you attract all those passers by? How do you get their attention and let them know in one look what you're doing? Stephane and I try all kind of things: we put a sculpture outside, at night we have a spot in the gallery and we also have a board on wheels where Stephane presents his work and which we can move around.... We hope this way to get people's attention and interest.
This morning I was interviewed by a Belgian journalist who happened to pass by and got really interested in our story. A love story as she summarized it: love for each other, love of Israel, love of art... She hopes to be able to have it published in Belgium... We'll see... At least we know that we got her attention!
We are so happy to receive so much support from our friends and our family! Since we opened, we have only received compliments, encouragement and positive reactions! Thank you! This gives us energy and helps us pursuing what we have started. Yesterday morning Nira came along. Later on my cousin Netania and her husband Roni. Everyone seems to enjoy being in the gallery and wants to come back. Stephane and I continue developing new ideas and experiencing with different set ups.... I'll try to post as many pictures as possible. However, when in the neighbourhood... come visit ShenArt!
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