Meet Gideon Cohn | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gideon Cohn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gideon, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in Sweden and immigrated with my parents to Israel. Growing up on a kibbutz precluded me from realizing my of becoming an artist. This dream was realized in the early 90s. In the early 70s I established a family life for a few years in Holland, where I had two daughters; later returning back to Israel with my family (which now included his third daughter) I started pioneering farming with advanced agricultural technology in the Dead Sea region in Israel, all along creating art, but concentrating on my family wellbeing and my work.
In 1983 I moved with my family to southern California on a 2-year contract to develop raw desert along the Salton Sea and turn it into complexed and advanced agriculture.
While attending various classes in Art, Interior Design, Architecture and CAD, at the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, I was drawing and painting in my studio. Much of my art created in the 21st century revolves around the human figure with a hint of surrealism and comes to form in charcoal/pastels on paper, oil and acrylic on canvas as well as artwork incorporating other media such as wood, prints, and other material which provide a third dimension to the art.
I owned an art gallery in Palm Springs for 7 years and a gallery in Idyllwild, CA, both are combined into a studio/gallery in La Quinta, CA. I’ve also been curating art shows and for the last several years, jurying and judging for the La Quinta Art festival (ranked #1 in the nation) as well as other shows. My art is and has been shown both in group and solo juried exhibitions in various galleries winning various awards. Many of my pieces adorn the homes of satisfied collectors.
I am the originator and visionary of the art component and have been the Art Director for the JFK Healthy Family Foundation’s “Ophelia Project” in Palm Desert since 2009. This mentoring project encourages young middle and high school girls to achieve their full potential and building up their self-esteem. It is a program involving hundreds of girls in over 15 schools and more than 3 school districts.
My art can be viewed in various galleries and art shows throughout the year.
Gideon’s statement:
“The figure has always been a source of inspiration. Its ever-changing shapes, colors and lines have been a stimulus in my figurative art and became my conduit to the beauty of sensuality.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
There are two loves in my life, setting aside family. One is the PLANT world, and the other is the ART world. I devoted my life to both, sometimes struggling to balance the two. As a very independent individual I have always been self-employed (with the exception for a one-month period), both in art and my agricultural careers. By remaining attuned to shifts in my surroundings and actively seeking opportunities for learning, I’ve propelled myself forward, honing new skills and embracing change. This journey, marked by independence and dedication, has not only enriched my professional endeavors but has also deeply enriched my personal fulfillment.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It depends a lot on their interests. I have had several visits in the last year or so, all of them from my grandkids who live over-seas. one loves outdoors, so we went on a week and a half excursion to the Sequoia N.P. and Yosemite N.P. staying in “shady” places, eating what’s available, and walking many trails everywhere. also exploring the local nature attractions and walking the trails.
the other one loved going to the big city, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Diego, go to shows and attractions, staying in luxurious hotels, enjoying fine dining, and city life.
the other, loved the California Beaches and vibes. Staying in a unique hotel on the beach and food right on the beach.

Each with their own taste and interests.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This is an interesting question. I don’t think that I can point out to one particular person/event/entity, there are, and were, many people, each undoubtedly contributing in some way or another. I am/was very influenced by my environment and nature. I involved myself in certain activities and events in a very organic way, tap into it when it feels right.

Website: www.gideonartist.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/gideonartist

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gideonartistart

Image Credits
Gideon Cohn