Ronit Shalem is a Bay Area artist and frequent visitor to San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles. We were captivated by her hypnotic process and textile influence- it's a real feast for the eyes! You can find more of her work here:
Describe the main differences of your 'old' studio to your 'Shelter in Place' studio.
I’m lucky to have a studio at home so there is no actual change in location or setup. However, now during Shelter in Place (SIP), my family is present therefore I need to adjust to sharing space.
What has surprised you about your art practice since the Shelter in Place order?
I am a people person. Before SIP, friends would drop by all day long to visit while I’m working and I love it! However, I do realize that somehow these days, I need more quiet in order to concentrate on my work.
What do you do when you get "stuck" in your creative process? Where do you turn for inspiration?
I love to take walks either in the neighborhood, at parks, or in the city. While walking, I take many photos and then I use them for inspiration in my sketchbook. Also, I read a lot, love doing meditations, and talking with friends as they usually have great ideas.
What are you currently reading/ listening to?
I’m reading an amazing book called, “The Power Of Now” by Eckhart Tolle. I enjoy listening to lots of rock music - especially live shows.
What advice would you give to other creatives at this moment in time?
Breathe.
Take in the change that is happening around you
Conduct video conferences. It is such an amazing opportunity to connect with new and old people, to get rid of geographical boundaries, to get to do new things and to experiment.
What drew you to the fiber art medium over others?
I’m fascinated by ancient arts in general, especially the local iconography in the form of artistic language that represents community and traditions. In particular, I admire the hard labor involved in textile making, the stories which are hidden in the patterns, the representation of women and sisterhood in textile making.
