Hana Aviv

I have a Ph.D. degree in biology and I am employed full time in a cancer diagnostic laboratory at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. However, ever since I was a child, I loved drawing and was interested in art. I revived my early interest in art about 3 years ago by taking classes at the Montclair art museum. At first, I took a variety of classes and experimented with different types of media. In life drawing class, I discovered that I think in terms of lines and shapes, and I love to create patterns and designs. However, once I captured the shape and movement of the figure, I was uncertain how to finish the drawing. Somehow, the lines and shapes seemed fresher, and the finished drawing (shading, background, details etc.) detracted from the freshness of the sketch. Filling the shapes with watercolor turned out to be the most satisfying venue to complete my works. To improve my watercolor skills, I took additional watercolor classes at the museum. I also joined the Essex County Watercolor Club, and participate in their demonstrations and workshops. At this time I focus on overall design of my work – lines, shapes, and unity of design and color. I take my inspiration from the garden, freshly cut flowers and hiking trips.