Surfboards and skateboards, religious marriage contracts (ketubah), prayers of Shema in the shape of the State of Israel—Franco-Israeli artist Noa Baranes creates original Hebrew calligraphy on all sorts of supports, which she also customizes upon request. Drawing inspiration from her spiritual journey, nature, and the colors of Israel, Noa who has been passionate about drawing since childhood, started her own business four years ago and now sells her creations worldwide. Portrait of a unique artist who brings her universe to life through her works.
Noa was born and raised in France until she was 18 in a non-Jewish family. Upon reaching adulthood, she flew alone to Australia in search of her identity. There, she met Jewish people and became interested in Judaism, falling deeply in love with it. This spiritual love was solidified with her first trip to Israel at the age of 20 and her conversion at 22. Today, Noa has been living in Yad Benyamin, Israel, for six years with her husband and children.
"During the conversion process, I had Torah classes every day and had trouble concentrating; what helped me was drawing Hebrew letters at the same time. My husband, who recognized my talent, encouraged me greatly to improve and commit to this path. During the lockdowns, I was unemployed and childless, so I was able to really start my activity, drawing all day and posting my drawings on Instagram", Noa Baranes recounts.
"People started to like my creations and wanted to buy them, and a few months later, I found myself with a lot of orders, and it became my profession, which I hadn’t expected", she adds.
Her works reflect her passion for Jewish art, as well as geometric shapes and ethnic art. "I love pastel colors, the desert sand of the Negev, and the blue of the sea. I also enjoy patterns seen in Africa or Mexico", Noa emphasizes. "A few years ago, I used to skateboard with my husband, who also surfs, so whenever he buys a new board, I draw on it. I love painting acrylics on wood", she says.
Since October 7, Noa has begun creating portraits, which generally take her about two hours of work. In December 2023, she drew her first portrait, that of a soldier who fell in Gaza Harel Sharvit. "He was truly a tzadik; his story touched me deeply, and I even cried while drawing him. It holds a special significance for me, and I put my whole heart into it", Noa affirms.
“The war has had some impact on my creations; now I wish to share more divrei Torah and reflections. This is also a way for me to bring people closer to religion. Thus, I combine my two passions, Torah and drawing, to create something quite unique,” the young woman explains.
To complete a creation, it takes her between 1 hour and 20 hours, depending on the size of the design. Noa draws on both wood and paper and creates endlessly unique models, always related to the Torah, which is the central pillar of her art. "What I enjoy the most is being able to touch people who are not necessarily very close to religion; I manage to bring them closer to Judaism", she says.
Noa's art travels around the world; her clientele is diverse and includes young people, the elderly, non-Jews, religious people, Israelis, Brazilians, Australians, and French people. Her modern calligraphy and refined style have won over a varied audience. Highly followed on social media, Noa aims to gain international recognition and, above all, "to spark curiosity about the Hebrew language and the Torah."
By the end of the year, Noa hopes to create mural frescoes in calligraphy and dreams of organizing her own exhibition.
Noa Baranes : https://www.noabaranes.com/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/no.ita/
Caroline Haïat
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