About Me
Varda Shilo
I was born in 1950 in Kibbutz Mefalsim, Israel, where I completed my elementary and high school education. After fulfilling my compulsory army service, I pursued a B.Sc. in Biology at the Hebrew University, Jeusalem, followed by an M.Sc. in Genetics. During my husband's post-doctoral studies in Boston, I decided to make a transition to a people-oriented field and earned an M.Sc. in Speech and Language Therapy from Emerson College, Boston.
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​Upon returning to Israel in 1981, I embarked on a dynamic and fulfilling career. I spent seven years working with hearing-impaired children in a mixed kindergarten setting alongside normal hearing children. Later, I seized the opportunity to design an interactive science museum under the auspices of the Weizmann Institute. I developed a unique model for the museum, which was subsequently adapted in other cities.
Following the museum's completion, I joined the Science Education branch of the Weizmann Institute, where I developed curricula for various age groups. These included Geology programs for kindergarten-aged children and Biology and Technology curricula for middle and high school students. I retired early, approximately 20 years ago, and sought new creative outlets.
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​This pursuit led me to painting and ceramics, which have since become the focus of my artistic endeavors. My paintings serve as a non-verbal way to communicate with the world. I often begin with an inspiring picture or photograph, frequently depicting women from diverse cultures. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh, and Hopper, I explore their color palettes and the emotions conveyed in their works, reinterpreting them through my personal lens. My paintings, characterized by a rich use of color and a touch of humor, aim to evoke a lighthearted feeling and leave viewers with a smile.
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My ceramics journey has evolved over time, shaped by the classes I have taken. A prominent aspect of my work includes sculptures of animals, people, and containers inspired by archaeological artifacts. These pieces, like my paintings, often feature vibrant glazes and a playful sense of humor. Another phase of my ceramics involved creating molds for fruit and vegetables, including large-scale pieces such as squashes. My fascination with materials and colors also inspired me to design a collection of pillows influenced by Indian art, drawing inspiration from my visit to southern India.
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Together with my husband, Benny, I have raised three children and am blessed with six wonderful grandchildren.
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I hope my works inspire you and bring a smile to your face.