We were lucky to catch up with Simone Kestelman recently and have shared our conversation below.
Simone, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I keep my creativity alive by transforming any feeling—whether it’s pain, joy, or surprise—into love and beauty through art. Every emotion becomes a source of inspiration, and my artistic expression is rooted in this transformation. What might seem difficult or dark is always reimagined into something beautiful and meaningful.
Through glass, ceramics, or photography, I strive to capture the essence of these emotions and translate them into forms that reflect harmony and sensitivity. No matter what I experience, my instinct is to find the hidden beauty and use it to create something that inspires love, reflection, and hope.
This process is my way of connecting with the world and with myself, allowing any experience to be transformed into art that transcends pain, celebrating the beauty and renewal that it can bring. (please consider that I am Brazilian and my english is not so good)
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am Simone Kestelman, a Brazilian/American artist currently residing in Westchester, New York. As a multimedia creator, my work has been exhibited globally, gracing both indoor and outdoor spaces. I was honored with a prize from Westchester Magazine as the best outdoor artist for my flower installations. My creations push boundaries by blending light, color, glass, and ceramics and can be viewed at my studio in White Plains by appointment.
I explore deep themes such as life, death, love, violence, and ambition through my sculptures, creating a visual language that evokes universal emotions and inspires introspective thought. My work extends beyond gallery walls, finding homes in public spaces and private collections, where it transforms environments with its arresting presence. I believe in the transformative power of artistic expression and am committed to sparking crucial conversations and inspiring meaningful change through my art.
My jewelry collection began during my youngest daughter’s prom, when I made her first corsage. From that moment, it evolved into a full collection, expanding my artistic expression into wearable art. This collection is available at One Martine Gallery, the NY Botanical Garden store, pop-ups, online, and by appointment for special pieces. It reflects my larger artistic vision, inviting individuals to carry a piece of my transformative message with them. Recently, I launched a collaboration with a prêt-à-porter brand in Brazil, where my art pieces are integrated into the clothing designs, merging fashion and art in a unique way.
I am passionate about what I do; my life would have no meaning without my art. It is the meeting of contradictions. Every piece I create is a catharsis or a reflection of an infinite feeling. In my artistic journey, I aim to not only captivate but also catalyze important societal dialogue, embodying the transformative potential of art in our world. Through my work, I seek to challenge perceptions and encourage viewers to engage with the deeper narratives woven into each piece, fostering a sense of connection and understanding in our shared human experience.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My artistic journey has been deeply influenced by impactful museum experiences and installations that have moved me profoundly. One such experience was my installation of a garden in the pediatric cancer wing of Soroka Medical Center in Israel, where I personally created and installed a healing space for the children and their families. Another significant moment was working with a residential program for children in Peekskill, which left a lasting emotional impact on me. Additionally, my research on child violence for one of my exhibitions involved engaging with rescued children from sex trafficking in Cambodia and Vietnam, some of whom are younger than ten years old. These experiences have marked me, shaping my perspective and fueling my artistic expression for the rest of my life. I have changed the way I see certain situations.
During the pandemic, I experienced a turning point. I had a large showroom but couldn’t welcome clients. It was then that I had the idea to share my art with neighbors who wanted to host it. This led to the creation of ResiliArt, an outdoor experience allowing neighbors to appreciate beauty during their walks while maintaining social distance in a time of terror and uncertainty. The initial idea was simply to lend the art, but in the end, it became the best year of my life as an artist—not just because of the sales but also due to the tireless recognition I continue to receive.
Addressing the pain of others is inherently challenging because, in some way, we must experience a portion of that suffering to truly understand it. My advice is to persevere, even when faced with obstacles that may attempt to deter you. There will be days when you contemplate giving up, but remember that if your work has changed the way even one person sees life or has brought them peace or beauty, it is invaluable. No amount of money in the world can replace the profound impact of such moments.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I am open to collaborations with folks looking for exclusive, one-of-a-kind, and limited edition pieces to create personalized clothing or any other type of collaboration. I also welcome partnerships with women who prioritize exclusivity, as well as artists, singers, and public figures who are interested in unique wearable art. If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to connect with me via WhatsApp at 914 7088350, on Instagram @simonek_design, or by email at kksimonek@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simonekestelman.com
- Instagram: @simonek_design
- Linkedin: Simone Kestelman
Image Credits
@ANAPAULAPCALDAS
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
