Janet Agulnik is thrilled to celebrate her 90th birthday sharing Shabbat services with family and friends on Shavuot at KBI. In conversation with Communications Committee member Suzan Zilahi, she reflects on art, teaching, spirituality, resilience and the enduring power of creativity.
1. Where did you grow up?
I was a Depression baby growing up in Toronto. Those were not easy times for families, but as a child I didn’t really know any different. We learned the value of a dollar very quickly — if you didn’t have it, you didn’t spend it. That lesson has stayed with me all my life. I moved to Ottawa when I was twenty years old after I got married.
2. What do you love most about being part of the KBI community?
It’s such a warm and social community. I enjoy the services, Cantor Jason Green, and the people.
3. How did your journey as an artist begin?
I earned my diploma in art at the Central Technical School in Toronto. Those were some of the happiest years of my life. I studied with wonderful teachers, including Canadian artist Doris McCarthy. I’ve now been teaching for close to forty years.
4. Did you always know you wanted to become an artist?
Yes — since I was a little girl, art was all I ever wanted to do. My father was very talented and used to draw little things for me. But my parents came from Europe during difficult times, and survival came first.
5. What inspires your artwork?
Nature inspires me deeply. Everything in creation is so beautiful, from the flowers and trees to the smallest details. It gives me a strong belief in God because of the beauty of creation itself. That’s what really moves me when I paint. Over the years I’ve worked in many different mediums, but watercolour became part of me. It just flows naturally.
6. What do you love most about teaching?
Teaching brings me joy. I love watching people learn and become successful at painting. We have a lot of fun together because you can’t learn if you’re not enjoying yourself.
I still teach several classes each week in my studio and at the JCC. My classes are always full, which tells me I must be doing something right. One of my students recently returned after studying with me almost forty years ago, and now she’s taking classes with her daughter. That has been very special.
7. What is your philosophy as a teacher?
I tell my students to make mistakes — that’s how you learn. I believe in being hands-on and encouraging people to try again because repetition teaches you. Watching people grow creatively is very rewarding.
8. What might people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m really an open book. I’m simply a happy person who loves what I do. Last November I had surgery for glaucoma. My vision is still fuzzy, but the surgery stopped me from going blind. Amazingly, when I paint, everything becomes clear. I’m very grateful for that. Creativity has always carried me through difficult times.
9. How do you maintain such a positive outlook?
I always say things could be worse. I try to dwell on the positive instead of the negative. We all go through difficult things in life, but gratitude and faith help carry you through. I am also deeply grateful for my three children, seven grandchildren and almost nine great-grandchildren, with one on the way.
10. What role does faith play in your life?
Faith is very important to me. If you don’t believe in something greater, you have nothing to hold onto. Life teaches all of us lessons. Nobody goes through life without making mistakes, but if you learn from them and take responsibility, there is forgiveness and growth.