Discovering Art's Hidden Layers: An Essay by Israeli Artist Lilia Kostrov

What lies beneath the surface of a painting? Israeli artist Lilia Kostrov explores this question in her thoughtful essay, "Archaeology of the Soul."

She is also a devoted user of Kobaien ink, skillfully harnessing its exceptional qualities in many of her works.

Kostrov reveals that paintings are time capsules—each canvas holds layers of decisions, corrections, and inspiration. She beautifully describes how erasure, often feared by beginners, becomes a powerful creative tool. Like ancient palimpsests, paintings carry traces of their history, inviting viewers to discover hidden meaning.

What captivated me most was her reflection on traditional Japanese ink, Sumi-e. Unlike Western techniques where layers can be corrected, Japanese ink demands absolute presence—once the brush touches paper, there is no going back. At her Aspaclaria Studio, Kostrov brings these worlds together, combining textured acrylic layers with the precise strokes of Japanese ink.

For anyone interested in the philosophy of art and the dialogue between Eastern and Western traditions, this essay is a must-read.

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