Let me tell you the tale behind my latest coffee painting, The Time Keeper /Coffee and 24 K Gold Leaf on fine art Paper 22x30".
A majestic, slightly grumpy lioness perched on a vintage TV, holding an antique chain watch delicately between her sharp canines.
It’s the mom of all cats, taking us on a journey through time and memory—sprinkled with a healthy dose of humor.
Flashback to the ‘80s:
Back when I was a kid growing up in Israel, TV was the ultimate magic box.
Sure, we had a color TV, but some of the kids’ shows were still monochrome.
My favorite was Fables of the Green Forest (broadcast from the Lebanese channel, no less).
Living in a tiny house surrounded by apartment buildings meant our antenna didn’t exactly have VIP reception.
What did that mean? Static. Lots and lots of snowy static.
So, my genius dad whipped up a DIY antenna from a wire, bent it into a circle, and voilà—instant reception fix!
Well, sort of. 🙈
The trick was one of us kids had to hold the wire antenna as high as possible, balanced precariously on one foot by the window.
We took shifts, not because we wanted to, but because no one dared miss a single second of that precious show.
I mean, kids today will never understand the thrill of finally seeing a clear episode through the snowstorm of pixels!
Why a Lioness?
I’m a dog person—always have been—but people kept asking me, “When are you painting a cat?”
And so, I promised: One day, I’ll paint a cat.
But why settle for an ordinary feline when I could paint the queen of them all—the lioness?!
She’s fierce, regal, and embodies everything I feel as a mom.
Protecting her cubs? Check.
Fiercely loyal? Check.
And just like me, she’s got eyes on the clock, watching time slip by as her babies grow up into little humans with their own personalities and dreams.
The Watch and the TV:
The vintage TV represents my childhood—those simple joys, the creativity born from boredom, and the hilarity of making do with what we had.
And the chain watch?
It’s a nod to how fast time flies (another coffee art of mine). One moment, you’re climbing trees and holding makeshift antennas, and the next, you’re watching your kids become determined, creative individuals.
It’s a little bittersweet, but mostly, it’s a reminder to treasure every single moment.
Mom Mode, Always On:
Like the lioness, I’ll always put my kids (and pups, let’s be real) first.
Whether it’s serving food in strict kiddos-first-then-hubby-then-me order or guarding their favorite leftovers like a hawk so “someone” (cough hubby cough) doesn’t finish them off.🤣
Being their protector and cheerleader is in my DNA—and that’s where this lioness comes to life.
The Time Keeper is more than just a painting.
It’s a celebration of vintage nostalgia, the unbreakable bond of motherhood, and the hilarious chaos of family life.
Time may pass quickly, but our memories (and love) are forever.
Now, go ahead, look at her again—the lioness sitting on that TV.
She’s not just holding the watch; she’s reminding us to pause, laugh, and hold onto the magic moments.
What do you think of The Time Keeper?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Meital

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