In the world of art, there are no rules. Despite this, a majority of people are raised being taught that there are rights and wrongs with creating. As an artist, Nona Orbach has colored outside the lines with her art, using various techniques and mediums to create freely. An art therapist and teacher, Nona is reteaching people the freedom to express themselves without thought, giving them the “permission to be.” ISRAERU was able to speak with Nona on her biggest life lessons, her artwork, and her career as an international educator and therapist.
Nona’s Artistic Process
Nona has a unique process when bringing her projects to life. Instead of planning out the message and appearance of her project, she lets her instinct take control.
“In the morning at my studio, I ask my hands, “what do you want to do?” and I follow that. This way I am able to create natural and authentic art. It might not always turn out perfect, but there is no stress or expectation with creating. As I work on large series, I then choose what to exhibit.”
She trusts the process. This method of creation is the basis of not only Nona’s art, but also her teachings and therapy.
The Permission to Be
“I think the deepest meaning of love is being loved for who you are instead of what you try to adjust to or pretend to be.”
Nona calls this the “permission to be”. She wrote about it in her new book: The Good Enough Studio. She believes in giving free reign to her students and clients, making art a meditative experience without the expectation to create a specific product.
During her career as a teacher, Nona found that many students depended on instructions to create.
“In Tokyo, I was able to teach a workshop for art therapists and educators of Japan. During this workshop, I started an exercise where they would make art with their eyes closed. Everyone in the workshop worked for an extremely long time, with no sign of stopping. I realized that they were waiting for me,as the teacher, to tell them when to stop, continuing to draw even when it was too much emotionally.”
This moment was significant for Nona in realizing the cultural differences between her hometown of Israel and Japan.
“I found that the people of Japan were very considerate and it was interesting to see how it contrasted to people of other countries in the context of art.”
Fitting the thought of the “permission to be” Nona makes sure teachings are suggestions, not lessons on the absolute right way of conducting art.
“I make sure that my students and clients understand that my insights are only suggestions that work for me. They can take what they want from my suggestions, and I heavily encourage them to discover their own method of promoting creativity.”
Nona’s Connection with Japan
Beyond conducting therapy workshops in Japan, Nona considers the country a place of significance.
“For me, Japan is magical”
Nona had an affinity for Japan even before she visited the country.
“When I was studying in Art School, I had a ceramic teacher who studied about Japan before the second world war. She told me to keep my eyes closed until she placed something in my hands. Once I opened my eyes, I saw a beautiful piece of carved stone. My teacher then told me that this was a Japanese tea bowl made by the ancient Raku family.”
Nona continued.
“My mind was immediately flooded with questions on the culture, people, and history behind the beautiful ceramic tea bowl. I was shivering with excitement and awe. This was my first encounter with Japan.”
Since this moment, Nona has looked to establish a deeper connection with Japan. In the year 2008, Nona was able to display her art in an exhibition located in Tokyo.
“It was such an amazing experience to display my art in Japan. To my surprise, the people of Japan were so interested in my work and asked me many meaningful questions. It is the best feeling to meet strangers that are genuinely interested in my art.”
This exhibition established a working relationship between Nona and Japan. Since 2008, she has displayed her art at exhibitions in Kyoto, and started teaching art to students in Japan. The country also served as a place of inspiration for Nona, who visits Kyoto to clear her mind.
“Kyoto is my shrine. When I visit the city I go on adventures in neighborhoods I've never been to. During these trips, I speak to people on the way and write my thoughts. It is a meditative experience I do every year or so.”
Due to the pandemic, Nona has not been able to visit Japan but wishes to as soon as she can.
Nona’s Life Goal
“I am working hard to bring more good into the world.”
Over the last 6 years, Nona has worked tirelessly to make the Israeli education system more flexible and nurturing for creativity. Working with various associations and organizations, Nona aims to teach her life lessons to as many people that need it in the world.
“I love to teach everywhere I can. I began teaching virtually in Italy and many other countries, and plan on continuing.”
Nona has a lot of knowledge to share. Through teaching her students and therapy clients, Nona is able to reignite their ability to express themselves with the creativity they were born with.
“I think that learning from others and sharing knowledge as you grow older is the purpose of life, and I hope to be inspired and perhaps inspire others in my workshops.
