I was born in Jerusalem and raised with a strong sense of Jewish cultural and spiritual values. Although I’m not observant in the traditional sense, I resonate with Judaism’s connection to the natural world, the seasons and cycles of the moon. Judaism's focus on empathy and forgiveness are important to me.
My path as an artist was greatly influenced by my mother, Regi Kassel Yanich. She was an accomplished artist at a time when it was unusual for women artists to be taken seriously. She encouraged me to strive for authentic expression, and taught me to pay attention to the negative space surrounding a subject.Tragically, she died from injuries from a car accident when I was 15 years old. Searching for equilibrium after her sudden, unexpected death set me on a quest to understand life’s unquantifiable experiences. I still feel her presence in my life, and have come to believe that joy and resiliency are key to living a life that embraces wonder and delight. I strive to convey these feelings in my art.
I have been writing storybooks for several decades and am excited to share them with the world. I love the challenge of watercolor on paper after working in various 3D media (clay, glass, fiber, metal). Surrendering to the unpredictable flow of paint is an apt metaphor for being open to life’s challenges and unexpected delights.
I am also a musician, and play guitar and piano. I enjoy song-writing, too, and am excited to be teaching a workshop on writing protest songs on April 13, 2024 at Fairhaven College in Bellingham, Washington.
As I enter a new phase in my life, I am committed to honoring my creativity in all its manifestations. I’m blowing on the embers and ready to share my work with the world.