Exploring the Creative Journey of Lissa Mel - Artist, Entrepreneur, Gallerist and Fashion Designer
Lissa Mel is a creative genius from Israel, boasting multiple professional titles. She is an artist, entrepreneur, gallerist, and fashion designer. Her artwork has been showcased at the esteemed Centaur Gallery in Las Vegas and is also put on display at her very own gallery situated in Santa Monica titled 'The Messengers Art Gallery'. Mel's artistic journey has been characterized by constant evolution and experimentation. She fearlessly explores new materials and techniques, pushing the boundaries of her creativity. This relentless pursuit of artistic growth has allowed her to showcase the breadth of her talents.
In a unique fusion of her two passions, painting and fashion, Mel recently launched her own hoodie collection called Loren Marie. This collection is a testament to her innovative spirit, as she seamlessly combines her artistic vision with the world of fashion. With her distinctive style and creative flair, Mel's hoodie collection stands out as a true reflection of her artistic expression. Each hoodie is a wearable work of art, capturing the essence of her unique vision and showcasing her talent as both an artist and a fashion designer.
Lissa Mel's success as an artist, gallerist, entrepreneur, and fashion designer is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for her craft. As she continues to push boundaries and explore new artistic frontiers, it is clear that Lissa Mel is a force to be reckoned with in the art and fashion world.
Let’s see what she has in store for us today in this exclusive interview we got for our dear readers here at RIVAL.
I’m personally very interested in learning more about your Israeli roots. How was it growing up in Tel Aviv?
Tel Aviv is a vibrant place, an international city teeming with culture. The people are extremely warm and welcoming. The food is amazing — it’s an international city. And there’s so much passion. How could you not be inspired to make art in a city like that?
Did your parents play a big role in nourishing your interest in the arts?
From a young age, my mother instilled in me a passion for artistic expression. She was fully committed to my pursuit of art whilst my dad maintained that I should become a doctor. So she definitely played an instrumental role, assisting me with my early sketches and providing me with materials and books. Her constant guidance and support have shaped me into the artist I am today, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
Your abstract style is very fascinating and surreal. What inspired you to make it this way instead of approaching a more traditional style?
My art comes from my deep meditation. It comes to me in visions and dreams. That is how I am able to see energy. My high school science classes inspired me to investigate matter through my art. My abstract depictions of molecules and matter are my way of illustrating energy. Think of my art as zooming in on a microscope to find a whole universe teeming with life where you could otherwise not see it. My art also often depicts the dance between feminine and masculine energies.
You had your art displayed in the Centaur Gallery and you even have your own art gallery in Santa Monica, The Messengers Art Gallery. Have you worked with other galleries besides those two?
I have also shown my work at Gallery 612 in Santa Monica and the Bat Yam Museum of Art in Israel. And during the pandemic, I showed my work in online galleries.
I love how your art is always evolving! What is the creative process behind it? How does your art come to life?
The initial layer of my recent paintings comprises mantras. These sacred mantras have their roots in an ancient language of sound, Gurmukhi, similar to Sanskrit. As I concentrate on these mantras and infuse them into the canvas, my paintings begin to resonate with an elevated frequency. I know that art can help heal people. Allowing yourself to express yourself through your art is a form of catharsis — healing even the deepest of wounds.
Besides painting you’re also a fashion designer. Last year you launched your own hoodie and apparel collection “Loren Marie”. Is there anything you can say about it?
I wanted my art to become more accessible and take on a new medium through my fashion line, Loren Marie. I also have a line of candles, notebooks, sneakers, towels, and much more featuring my art. I plan to launch a line of one-of-one shoes that I have painted on through my Loren Marie brand.
How was your experience working in the fashion industry?
Most fashion companies source their products and labor in China or other countries where they can get cheap, low-quality products. Most of my clothes are made here in the US, which has been quite difficult, but the clothes are of better quality and I don’t have to worry about waiting for longer shipping. I am always looking for companies here in the US to partner with on my brand.
What are your plans for the near future? Are you working on something right now?
I am preparing for the Superfine Art Fair in October. Coming up closer is my third open gallery exhibit at Messenger on August 27.
Again I must thank you Lissa for sharing your fascinating experiences with us. Any closing regards for our readers here at RIVAL?
Thank you so much for having me. I am beyond grateful for being a part of this magazine. I never imagined when I was younger that I would have the opportunity to own a gallery and I am thankful every day for everything that it has brought me.
STAY IN TOUCH WITH LISSA MEL ON INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE | LOREN MARIE