Photos by: Natalia Ariza Muñoz

"The degree to which we are able to achieve true silence, would in turn allow the innermost self to shine through. Achieving this silence, true silence, to connect first to the self and then to the universe, is the contemplative artistic path that Tal Eshed has chosen to take with her form of expression." ( Mitra Khorasheh )

Tal Eshed treads a rather thin and interesting line between spirituality and fine art. Her works in mixed media, photography and performance always inhabit an inclusive approach, melding together both practices as well as her experience with water based therapy while avoiding the synonymous attempts to restrict her work within specific boundaries and dichotomies.
Her practice requires a full heartiness approach which is fuelled by the drive to better herself and her surroundings via mindfulness, meditation and observation. combining spirituality and art she assumes various roles, a spectator, a creator and a participant. She invites the viewers to immerse themselves in her process and in her search and explore with her. Standing in front of, or being within one of her works or performances enables lowering your guard and preconceptions about the possibility of an art work.

One of her latest work has been an ongoing performance series titled “Dive In…”. In these performances Eshed has invited spectators to take part in a meditative action, often taking place outdoors and focusing on water sources.

Q: What brought forth the idea of this series of performances?

A: “Dive In…” Performance deals with the idea of being present in a mindful process of learning to know “Oneself”, along side, with the connection to the universe within, holding the belief that we have the whole universe system within us. The process is looking into oneself as a practical with a connection to a larger source. To do so requires breaking patterns and barriers before rebuilding them again. Its all about connecting and Creating. feeling the Heartbeat of creation.

Q: During the meditation/performance, you and some of the participants were wearing body suits, could you explain the purpose of those?

A: With the body suits we are breathing together - No face, no race or gender, just shedding off all our protective shells. That way it was as if we were creating a living sculpture, a community or live organism Portrait. Holding the intention of healing to get to the source of being in a human body and to sense the taste of creation. to find the connection of the soul with in the body and the feeling of what is this body here for, what did this soul come to do? I humbly strive to Re-connect and Remember that I am doing my art practice as of service to share an experience through my personal journey perspective. asking questions about the meaning of life and the purpose of being here and NOW in this lifetime.

Q: Your art has always been dealing with transcendental themes, but it also seems like it became a more dominant force these recent years, is it a conscious shift, or just the natural course of things?

A: I have been preoccupied with similar themes but part of it is that six years ago I happened to have a changing life experience that made a profound impact on my whole existence. After an accident I had the chance to feel the light, to be the light, I was part of “the” light. I shifted into a space where there is no space, only consciousness and vibration flowing. Having an NDE experience made my practice more in tune with my feeling as being called to serve.

Q: what do you mean by “serving”?

A: mastering the mind and knowing our shadows and lights is a powerful tool to let us as humans be able to free ourselves from all limitations. it is our responsibility to master those thoughts, so they will turn into positive thinking, and actions. Our thoughts are the most creative force in the universe. we can become our own creators of our lives by presence of selfless action for the sake of all being and the creation itself for a higher goal of human evolution. I wish to share this action of being present in a conscious intention as wide and open to reach as many hearts as possible.
my vision is to be able to change myself and become an example of a peaceful being. compassionate and loving.

Q: Water plays a meaningful role in these performances as well as in your other works. In “Dive in…” for example the performances were all orchestrated around water sources, rivers or the ocean. Can you explain why ?

A:We are mostly made of water, Its something we all share, but its not always a visible component. Water is life and a part of breathing. Water always changes form. The journey of water carries with it all information, knowledge and emotions. They signify our connections to each other as well as our link to earth. Water rituals are an ancient practice and form of purging and of course they signify a deeper connection. I think we have a responsibility to nurture and take better care of water and part of it is being conscious of our human body. The sea within has all the answers

Q: are art and meditation similar in your view? As a form of communication? As a practice?

A: As an artist I feel that I need to be open to the universe, practicing constantly to be receptive. It’s the same with my meditation practice. Healing and evolving are fascinating materials for art.

Q: What’s your work process like?

A:With this series of performances for example, When I first started I didn't know where I would take it to... now days I have a vision on how it could be expanded. Its always still in a process until the next stage is born.
While working, each time I add another layer, expending and exploring the boundaries and the way I can work with raw ideas and materials.

Q: And the idea for a performance like that stems from your personal experiences?

A: Yes, it is based on my life and experience as an artist and a therapist using healing and water in particular. focusing on the ability of water to transform and create new imprints and healing treasures. For “Dive in…” for example I was practicing 108 days with the body-suit before the first performance in the gallery. it was a process of fine tuning, listening and evolving.

Q: Do the preparations help when you cant predict the final outcome in A performance, when so many variables are unpredictable?

A: Its is a commitment to the moment we call Now, the present. It is a constant challenge to react to it from an open-hearted place. Its requires of me and the participants much trust and the ability to surrender, listen and be open to our intuition, being open to the unexpected. I love the personal and group sharing of everyone, that’s a major part of it. we can only control some parts of them with our thoughts, intentions and actions but the essence is constantly changing.
I desire to become a transformer being and bring more light to the world , humbly saying im only human dealing with everyday life experiences, doing my best to strive to this goal.

Q: In the series you did, wasn’t it hard to give in? being in a full body suit, meditating and not being able to see what’s going on around you ?

A: It’s a huge experiment and lesson in faith. Either way I can place my trust in a divine order. We can only control part of it with our thoughts, intentions and actions. Some of the parts are not possible to control either way. I must surrender, let go and trust the process. As part of my practice in always an observer, looking both inside and out. In such an event there is also the crew working with me. They become part of the art work and their part of the voyage as much as I am. I was truly blessed to have them onboard.

Q: what sort of art do you usually see? What exhibitions have you been to recently?

A: going to shows and exhibitions is part of my routine. There are artists and works I always return to such as like Pipilotti Rist and Ernesto Neto, Spencer Tunick and Sigalit Landau to name a few.

Q: How do you feel when you’ve finished a piece? do you go over everything in your head or stride on to the next work ?

A: Things take time to process. There are so many details and feelings to go through, so many stories and occurrences. Though its much to take in, organically it grows into thinking about continuation. Its like every seed knows its path, knowing just how to develop. Right now I feel like a new chapter is about to begin, something new is molding and shaping.

Shahar Sarig www.shahar-sarig.com