Orna Feinstein of houston on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Orna Feinstein shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Orna, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I am an artist passionate about making art, and as such, never regarded making art work. However, outside my studio time, I travel the world. With over 200 countries around the world, there is a lot to see, appreciate, understand, and care for. We are all humans occupying the earth, and yet every trip is a journey to a new landscape, customs, culture, foods, and language.

In recent years, I have been traveling to exotic places like the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, Patagonia, and the Arctic Circle.
The world is a huge place, and you don’t see or feel it until you leave the big city. It is mind blowing to see the ice shelves and the tens of thousands penguins standing on the mountain. The thousands of iguanas sun bathing side by side on the Galapagos beaches is an amazing sight. Patagonia has the incredible Perito Moreno glacier and vast lands with great beauty. Costa Rica’s rain and cloud forests are magnificent with their endless greens, water and birds. There is so much to see, experience, and learn from.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have been an artist for many years. I loved drawings and paintings. However, it wasn’t until I studied printmaking that I realized that this media was my passion. For 26 years I made many monoprints that were shown in galleries, museums and art centers around the world. Some changes came in 2023 after my trips to the poles. On these trips I made art, and showed it on locations like snow Hill Island, Antarctica, and the Arctic Circle. These experiences added another way to create and show art. Soon after that I was asked to give a talk about these expeditions. I gave numerous presentations motivating, inspiring and educating the audience. So now, I am busy with art , travel and speaking about the two.
The focus of my art has been nature, especially the tree trunk growth rings, wood grain pattern, and what you see on a cellular level. On my trips, I come across new vegetation, amazing trees and plants I have never seen before, nor did I ever imagine they exist. On my recent trip to Ecuador, I came across a walking tree. Yes, a walking tree. This tree sends roots towards the direction it wants to go in search of sun and stable soil. When the new roots are established, the old ones lift into the air and die. This process is long, but eventually the tree moves forward.

Travel has been an exciting and joyful activity for me, inspiring my art in new ways. I often make art on these trips, and exhibit them in unique, non traditional locations.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
As years go by, and one reflects on the past, it’s obvious that what we learned is accumulation of bits and pieces of knowledge we got from many sources. Focusing on who taught me the most brings me me to memories of my father. He was a silversmith working daily in the studio. I remember his dedication, commitment, and attention to detail. He was proud and passionate about his work, and it was contagious. When he was done with a project, he proudly brought home pictures of the works he just completed.

Often times I visited the shop, and enjoyed watching my father doing his craft. I also viewed the vitrine were the finished objects he made were displayed. One of the works his boss designed, and my dad crafted is displayed in the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum in Independence , Missouri.

Since childhood, loyalty, dedication, hard work and attention to detail have all been an inspiration to me, and they were all introduced to me by my father.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I think that most young people (including me when I was younger) under appreciate their talents and capabilities. I though I wasn’t ready when I was ready, I thought things are not for me when they were for me. Believing in yourself is hard to do when you are young. Looking backwards I wish I was more experimental, trying new things and activities that may become a true passion.

I strongly believe that finding a true passion will lead to a successful, satisfying career, and happiness. There are a lot of people out there who are still struggling finding their passion. I recently heard a wisdom saying: ”If you find your passion, you will not work a day in your life”. This is so true. When I go to create in my studio, I welcome myself to my playground!

So I would say, stay optimistic, be patient, and find your passion.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
As a world traveler, I am committed to travel to as many countries as I can. I have been to numerous counties, probably close to half the countries in the world. That means I still have to see half of the world. Balancing work, travel, holidays and family is an art in itself. I try to balance all of these, and maintain my energy to enjoy them all.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when i am in my studio. This place is a peaceful, quite space with no outside interruptions.
I am working by myself, and listening to music I love, creating what I want, mostly without deadlines.

Creativity sometimes comes as a team work. I know many creatives who need others around them for inspiration, support or critic or collaboration. However, for me the privacy I have in my studio is priceless. I can explore and experiment in any medium using any materials I am interested in.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Orna’s portrait Photo credit Longwangphoto

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