We recently connected with Mena Levit and have shared our conversation below.
Mena, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Since I can remember myself, I’ve always wanted to be a professional singer. So, after the high school, I pursued my dream by entering the Conservatory of Music in Vilnius, Lithuania. I’ve became an opera singer, and I’ve been at the stages of very prestigious theaters in Europe, and Israel for many years. Working on the lead roles, singing in public over 30 years sharpened my confidence, patience, and changed my personality completely. I became a perfectionist, always aiming for the best results whatever it takes. There is no other way for me to improve, and move forward!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
A classical opera singer & voice teacher by trade, I have always been interested in art, but never formally trained on it.
A few years ago I was walking on Newbury street, and saw a sign of pastel demonstration by a famous pastel artist Robin Frisella at the Boston Guild of Artists Society. I immediately fell in love with the style and vibrant nature of the medium, and was hooked for life!
Then Covid arrived, and all my singing/teaching jobs were put on hold for almost 3 years. I had nothing to do at all.
I’ve always wanted to paint, and finally I had all the time in the world! So, I used it very effectively, began watching online beginner videos, and painted along. A little later I started to attend various demos/classes/workshops taught by accomplished local pastel artists. This improved my painting skills dramatically and brought my work to a completely different level.
Today my work has been juried into multitude of highly competitive local, National/International pastel shows through the country on a regular basis, and have won numerous awards.
My work is represented by professional Art Galleries in Rockport/Gloucester, MA and Portsmouth, NH
I’m a Juried Associate Member of Pastel Society of America, Juried Signature Member of Pastel Society of Cape Cod, Pastel Society of New Hampshire, Central Mass Pastel Society, Member of Connecticut Pastel Society, and Juried Exhibiting Member of Wellesley Society of Arts, and North Shore Arts Association.
My favorite subjects are flowers, animals, still life, portraits, and more recently, landscapes. I’m convinced that art must go far beyond technique in order to touch people’s hearts. As a performer, with a significant musical theater background I often find myself attracted to the story behind the character, and try to bring my own personal experience and feelings into my paintings by capturing a very specific emotion and moment. Being able to accomplish this with soft pastels, pencils, and my fingers seems absolutely magical to me, and the results of the creative process never cease to amaze me. Art, like music has become another language of my soul. It offers a fascinating journey of unlimited possibilities for self-expression, and makes me feel free, happy, and complete. I hope my paintings will speak to you too.
Currently I live in Wayland, MA with my husband Gregory. I divide my time between singing, running a private Vocal Art Studio, and painting
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
It’s never too late to persuade your dreams, no matter how old you are. A new, fascinating world will open to you! Be patient, persistence, never give up. Find good local artists in your area, communicate with them. join local art societies, show your work, get feedback, enter shows/exhibits all the time. Find a permanent space/room/ corner at your place, put an easel there, don’t move it, and paint constantly. Even it’s only 30 min a day, but on a regular basis. Look for good, talented artists, analyze their work, make friends with them on FB, learn from them, and ask questions. In most cases, they’re very generous, and you will get answers.
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?
I would like to put my work more out there. Always looking for nice, respectful places to display my paintings – libraries, galleries, Art centers/communities etc.
I would love to build my “admirers” club. To meet people who can appreciate my art, take it home, and enjoy it every day. Since they’ve had a good experience once, they will come back for another one.
It’s a great feeling knowing that my work has an impact on somebody’s life, and can even make it better.
I love to paint more commissions, by creating more “personal stories”, and bringing to life fond memories. Whether it’s a portrait of a loved one, or a favorite pet, or a beautiful still life arrangement composed of keepsakes especially for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.menalevitartist.com/
- Facebook: Mena Levit
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8inlWrnPrCU
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