June 18, 1987

To whom it may concern!

        In a career, which has spanned over 20 years, Sigalit Bibi (Ashvil), has rightfully earned the distinction of being one of the foremost portrait painters.

        Portrature is an exacting art and calls for the full measure of the artist’s ability.

        Sigalit Bibi-Ashvil, has devoted a lifetime to portraying, men, women, child, artists, religious leaders and any nationalities all over the world.   Her works: in pencil, acrylic, pastel and oil, shows her penetrating ability to capture the inner spirit of the sitter as well as to render the external appearance.

        A portrait is a work of art not to look  at, but to look into. That’s what she has reached successfully!

        In 1973, Sigalit was 21 years old, when she came to my studio in Jerusalem and during 10 years of teaching, I have discovered (as an artist and professional teacher with over 40 years experience) her unique talent in art, her determined, stable and hard working manner and nature toward her goals.

        It was my great pleasure to have an experience and to know such a talented student, Sigalit Bibi – Ashvil.

        S. Bibi, was born in Kutaissi, Georgia in U.S.S.R. 1952. She studied and finished successfully high school of Music and Art in U.S.S.R. in 1969.   In 1968 she was awarded the Gold medal at the 6th annual festival between young musicians in Tbillisi U.S.S.R.

        In 1979, she was accepted to the board of directors of the Association of Israeli Artists.

        Numerous exhibitions of her works were held in major cities throughout in country.

        In 1984 she came to the shores of America, and in 1985 she married and settled in Queens New York.

        Her first, very unusual one men exhibition in 1984 in Brooklyn “Y”, was represented over 40 portraits of religious leaders “Gdoley Israel”.

        Sigalit’s works are represented in many private collections and she has successfully combined a career in the fine arts with another art of teaching of music at home.

        Her works – as well as her way of working, is an exploration of possibilities from every aspect of life and the creative process.

        Indeed, it is extraordinary, that one person has accomplished so much in a single lifetime.

        At one critic put it: “Sigalit B. Ashvil has the rare instinct of knowing, what a pencil or brush is most capable of telling”.

        As her a former teacher, I (M. Janashvili) wish her continued artistic success and personal satisfaction.

Sincerely yours,

Mordechai Janashvily

Professor in academy of art U.S.S.R.

B.F.A. Academy of art in Tbillissi

M.F.A. Academy of art in Moskow.