Today Chumi lives with her husband and children in Mazkeret Batya, where she also operates her studio.
"My work is primarily classical painting," she explains. "Oil paints, carefully built layers, and a great deal of attention to detail."
She believes her artistic style is closely connected to the traditional world in which she was raised.
"For years I experimented with different directions. Eventually I realized that traditional painting is simply part of who I am."
Her goal is to capture moments that resonate with everyone.
"I look for something universal. A simple moment. A human moment. Something that speaks to people regardless of their background."
Many of her paintings feature everyday Israeli scenes rendered with warmth and realism.
She is particularly fascinated by glass.
"I love painting reflections. No matter how many times I do it, I never get tired of it."
Letting Go
For most artists, selling a favorite painting can be difficult. Chumi sees things differently.
"From the beginning, I paint for the world. Once the idea is on the canvas, I've done my part."
She usually hangs a finished work in her home for a few days before offering it for sale.
There have been exceptions.
"I once painted two hands holding a stem and decided I would never sell it. Then someone came and wanted to buy it."
She sold it.
"And then I painted another one."
That one sold too.
Alongside her artistic work, Chumi teaches painting in schools and private settings.
She is currently preparing a new exhibition titled Meanwhile, which will open at the Ashkila Museum.
"It feels like the right place for these paintings," she says. "They come from the world I grew up in. Even though I no longer live there, I still love and appreciate the people who do."
That world remains an inseparable part of who she is, and it continues to find expression on every canvas she creates.
