Mira Maylor is an exceptional contemporary Israeli artist who disrupts established codes and norms to introduce visitors to new artistic concepts. Mira takes us into a universe of her own, a glass bubble reflecting an elusive reality. With great professionalism and a keen intellect, Mira constantly draws parallels between the old and the modern, the abstract and the concrete, the hidden and the transparent. Her original works, which she exhibits around the world, are made from glass, which she works on meticulously. Mira's works have toured the globe, appearing in museums, galleries, and various buildings, including the President's Residence in Jerusalem and the Ein Kerem hospital. She works methodically, using themes or everyday objects, which she reinterprets in several series to give them a unique dimension, adding her personal touch. Itonnews met with Mira Maylor, who exhibits on Shabazi Street in Tel Aviv. This atypical and inspiring personality leaves no one indifferent.
Works that invite reflection
"I love when art takes people out of their comfort zone and gives them something to reflect on—something they wouldn't have thought about, and that stays with them for a long time. My goal is to offer art that goes beyond the conventional and moves toward new horizons. I want to make a real impact on the public and provoke questioning; I also enjoy when my art evokes memories and allows connections with what we already know. I think that’s the power of art—it’s food for the soul. Every artist contributes to this enrichment, both cultural and spiritual," says Mira.
Mira found her calling at a very young age. "It all started when I was about 15. One day, I took a piece of Bristol board and drew a caricature of my teacher, which was then hung up at school. I remember it caused quite a stir at the time, while also fascinating my classmates and the teacher, who still remembers me today because of that first artwork. It was at that moment that I realized the impact of artistic creation," says Mira.
After her military service, Mira pursued a degree in economics because she had always wanted to understand "how money drives the world." However, she quickly realized that this path did not ignite her passion, so she decided to study art on her own. Mira then traveled abroad to take her first steps in the art world, as glassworking is not widely taught in Israel. She learned glassblowing at the Pino Signoretto workshop in Murano, Italy, which had one of the largest glass studios, and then continued her studies in the United States, at the Pilchuck Studio in Washington, as well as in Canada and England.
Flowers, hands, wings, soldiers, skulls, guns, or even Lilith, the "female demon from Jewish tradition": Mira creates series of works and personalizes "mundane things from everyday life," giving them original meaning and expression. Colors, materials, and contrasts merge to convey the artist's intimacy and identity.
"The concept of Lilith resonates with me a lot. In the past, she was considered a witch, whereas today she represents the modern woman. Moreover, hands are something universal that everyone generally has, and they connect us. They also symbolize gift, touch, and interaction with others across all cultures," explains Mira.
Mira works from images that come to her mind; she imagines her artwork and then brings it to life. It usually takes her several months, depending on the size of the work and the type of glass. "It’s a long and laborious process that takes a lot of time to achieve a satisfying result. For me, art is like a quest—you have to reach your goal and create what you have in mind, no matter what it turns out to be," says Mira.
Success Beyond Borders
Mira Maylor is an internationally recognized artist. She has exhibited in Ukraine, in Dnipro, at the Jewish community center courtyard and in private homes, as well as in Chicago, Japan, and at her gallery in San Francisco. She also sells her works: "I’m happy when they go to a new home; it's like an extension of their life, and it makes room for the creation of new works."
Mira is currently exhibiting at the Modiin Museum and is preparing her new glass installation, which will be displayed at the courthouse in Jerusalem's Kiryat Hamemshala district early next year. This glass piece, shaped like a cocoon, oscillates between the hidden and the revealed and will be placed near a window to highlight "the play of light and transparency."
"These are very important metaphorical concepts, especially in a courthouse; my works are becoming increasingly relevant in difficult times like the ones we are living through right now," concluded Mira.
Caroline Haïat
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