Netta Ganor
Netta Ganor’s journey as an artist is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of determination. Growing up in a family that valued craftsmanship and artistic expression, she was surrounded by influences that nurtured her creative spirit. Her great-grandfather was a master carpenter, her grandfather worked with metal, and her aunt explored painting and sculpture. As a child, she delighted in crafting miniatures, an early indicator of her artistic inclinations.
Her path to becoming an artist took an unexpected turn at the age of 15 when she was suddenly paralyzed from the shoulders down due to a rare neurological condition called Transverse Myelitis. This life-altering event forced her to adapt, and during rehabilitation, she encountered a young woman who painted using her mouth. Inspired by this discovery, she decided to try mouth painting herself. It was through persistence and dedication that she developed her skills, proving to herself that limitations exist only in the mind.
Without formal training in art, Netta honed her technique through self-study, practice, and experimentation. She eventually became a member of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists Association (MFPA) in 2003, which provided her with a platform to connect with other artists and gain exposure. Over the years, she expanded her artistic practice beyond painting—writing and illustrating three children’s books: Who is Wooly?, Sniffy the Shrew, and Hidden Door. The unique approach of creating illustrations before the stories led her to discover a hidden talent for writing, and her books have since become widely popular in Israel.
Though she primarily works in realism, Netta explores different mediums such as oils, pencils, watercolors, and acrylics. Her perfectionist nature draws her to Romantic Realism, a style that goes beyond replication to capture emotion, atmosphere, and depth. She believes realism provides a connection between artist and viewer, allowing people to engage with her subjects in a way that is both recognizable and deeply personal.
Recurring themes in her work include her experiences as a severely disabled mother, her children, and nature. While she enjoys painting landscapes, she finds that the most meaningful pieces often involve people. These motifs serve as reflections of her life, offering a sense of optimism and an appreciation for beauty despite physical challenges.
Netta’s creative process is structured yet fluid. She begins by organizing her workspace, ensuring that all materials—including a custom-made painting device—are within reach. Music is an essential part of her routine, setting the tone for her sessions. Balancing multiple roles as a mother, artist, and information systems professional, she dedicates specific times to painting, raising awareness about disabilities, and speaking to various audiences about her journey.
One of her most transformative artistic experiences was painting herself in a wheelchair for the first time. For years, she had not directly confronted her disability in her artwork. The process was emotionally challenging but ultimately liberating, especially when she decided to include her eldest son in the painting. His presence symbolized love and acceptance, making the experience deeply personal. This breakthrough opened the door to exploring themes of disability and motherhood in her work, reinforcing the importance of sharing untold stories.
Netta hopes to communicate through her art that challenges can be transformative rather than limiting. She wants viewers to see the beauty in imperfection and understand that determination can lead to great achievements. Connecting with people who find inspiration in her work has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of her journey. She measures success not by financial gain but by the emotional impact her art has on others.
Looking ahead, Netta aspires to continue growing as an artist, reaching broader audiences, and collaborating with fellow artists in the MFPA. She is currently working on a series of paintings that explore her experiences as a disabled mother, with the goal of holding a solo exhibition in the near future. Additionally, she is in the process of illustrating her next children’s book.
For Netta, staying true to her creative vision means focusing on authenticity rather than trends. Her unique perspective is her greatest strength, and she encourages aspiring artists to embrace their individuality. She believes that creativity is a universal gift, unrestricted by physical limitations. Her message to readers is simple yet powerful: set your mind to something, and almost anything is possible.
Ganor’s depiction of herself in a wheelchair with her son walking alongside her.
