It’s not often that one gets to meet with a real artist.
I see your scorn.
‘What do you mean by real?’ you’re thinking.
I’ll tell you.
I think an artist, a real artist, is like the classical biblical prophet, who shirks, shuns and shies away from the divine leadership that is being imposed upon him, until he finally understands that he has no choice.
A real artist is not blessed with the ability to exercise free will. He creates because he must.
Reuven Dattner is that kind of artist. That kind of real artist.
He understands that he has no choice. But he hasn’t yet gotten a grip on his gift.
“If I can do it, anybody can,” Reuven says unassumingly.
“Really?” I ask. “Do you have any idea how prolific you are?”
“I come from the business world. In business you produce.”
But art isn’t only about being prolific. It’s about meaning and beauty, understanding and symbolism.
It’s about a keen eye, a sharp mind, and penetrating vision; the ability to see and understand our world and interpret it.
I don’t mean to embarrass Reuven. And I hope that he’ll still speak to me after this piece.
‘Why would you want to write about me?’ I can hear him say ‘there are so many interesting things to write about.’
I want to make others aware of his existence and his art.
I want others to see and understand his amazing ability to create incredible beauty even out of a city like Petach Tikva (and please, no offense to you if that is where you live).
Reuven Dattner is a gem of person. He’s also a profoundly talented artist.
And if he’s still speaking to me, I can probably arrange a meeting with him for you.
It’s well worth your while.

Almond Tree in Blossom, Kfar Ganim (Petach Tikva)
Almond Tree in Blossom, Kfar Ganim (Petach Tikva)

If you’d like to see more of Reuven Dattner’s work, please see his Facebook page.