Interview with Danielle Mano-Bella
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
My artistic journey began about a decade ago, after my military service. Prior to that, I was more interested in the performing arts. In the period following the army, I was torn between professions like medicine and law, and interior design and architecture, until I realized I needed to distance myself from everything and discover what truly interests me, without being influenced by external factors.
The opportunity to travel to South Africa for a few months led me on a journey of self-discovery. There, I started photographing nature and people, and fell in love with photography and humanity. I discovered the deep connection between nature and the human being.
2. Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist.
My days as an artist are not routine. I try to start my mornings with writing and dancing, and dedicate time to nature, especially the sea that is close to my home. I also love the urban environment and its abundance. Sometimes I travel to a studio to work on projects, but mostly I flow with the changes and dynamics in my life.
3. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?
Art is an integral part of my personal life. It serves as a way for me to cope with challenges in life, such as identity and social norms. For example, the discovery that I have Muslim half-siblings from my father's other marriage was an emotional and identity-related challenge for me.
Additionally, I am dealing with an autoimmune disease that affects my nervous system. This has led me to explore themes of material fragility, dynamics, and loss of control in my work.
Despite the challenges, art provides me with a sense of deep connection to myself and my truth. I believe in inner and outer freedom, and see art as an expression of my inner truth.
4. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.
The best experience I've had in art is every day of creating, when I feel connected to myself. In contrast, the period of academic studies and residencies was a less positive experience for me, as I craved freedom and independence in my creative process.
5. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?
My advice to other artists is to be independent, free, and authentic. Listen to yourselves and continue creating what feels good to you. The right doors will open.
6. Is the artist life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.
I don't feel lonely, as I work with people on collaborative projects. I enjoy my alone time, but it is precisely from that space that interesting connections with others are formed.
7. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
Currently, I am working on several projects, including a collaboration with the Israeli biotech startup "SilkIt", as well as a solo exhibition where I will integrate the works of additional artists. I am also developing a new project that explores the boundaries between old canvases and new materials. I also have a joint venture in the field of art and technology, which is in the development stage with two additional partners.
Throughout all of my works and projects, the common thread is the aspiration to be authentic, to express myself freely, and to explore familiar boundaries. Art serves as a means of expressing my inner truth and coping with the challenges and difficulties in my life.
I feel that my creative work and projects radiate into all areas of my life, providing me with a deep sense of connection to myself and my environment. This is my way of being true to myself and fulfilling my artistic purpose.
Images of artworks from my last project “Memory Shape” and future projects I’m still developing in collaboration with the startup biotechnology company “SilkIt” .
My instagram account: @d_m_b_studio
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