If all the world’s a stage, then Candice Nemoff is the one who makes that stage beautiful.
A regular of the Jerusalem theater community, Nemoff’s work can be seen in the stages she’s helped design, the scenic art she’s made, the props she’s crafted, and the spotlights she shines.
A performance may be carried by the actors, but the set design, lighting, and props are all essential parts in the magic of the theater, helping capture the audience in the world of the performance and adding crucial elements of verisimilitude and immersion.
Over the past few years, her work has been evident at several performances throughout the city. However, Nemoff was never just a mere set designer. She is an artist, full of vision and creativity that she can express through her work. And that can also be seen in her latest project: nails.
Operating under the brand Tziporanayim, Nemoff transforms nails into her canvas and is able to create stunning pieces of art on these small surfaces. Whether elaborate Pac-Man nails or detailed depictions of butterfly wings or flowers, Nemoff is always up for a challenge as she pushes her creativity further and further.
In Jerusalem sat down with her to hear all about it.
What brought you to Jerusalem?
Originally, I made aliyah during COVID and moved to Netanya because I wanted to join the arts community I heard was growing there. However, their art community was mostly music and poetry, which wasn’t really my thing, especially in Hebrew.
I heard Jerusalem had an English theater scene and got interested in moving there. I connected with people in the community through Secret Jerusalem, and I found out that the theater company Starcatcher was doing Heathers the Musical. I got really excited because I always liked Heathers growing up. And that brought me here.
What made you want to work in art/theater?
I’ve always loved art and theater. I majored in theater and design in university – mostly scenic paintings, but I loved being involved in any aspect of theater. It’s something I always felt connected to.
Tell me about the work you’ve done in the Jerusalem theater community.
My first intro was Starcatchers’ Heathers. Then I got connected with CB Davies, which was doing a lot of different, smaller productions. I started working on different shows at the Khan Theater, and six different groups use that space. I did at least 10 productions there so far – everything from scenic design to props and sets.
I love the space there because it’s so unique, and being set up in a cave gives productions there a lot of character.
What makes the Jerusalem theater scene special?
All of these people are largely olim as well, and while they may have been here a long time, they have brought their ideas into the community theater, which helps them find interesting stories to perform, such as Copenhagen, or they write their own productions.
It’s always amazing to see all these people and what they’re passionate about.
What’s something about the Jerusalem theater community most people don’t realize?
Many of the people here have no professional experience, but are still insanely naturally talented. They’ve been in so many productions over the years and work together so well in this community they keep alive.
They may have no specific business, but put all the money and effort into it themselves. Their hearts and souls fuel these productions, many of which have sold out. One of them, Jacob’s Stepladder, did so well and sold out so fast that we’re going to perform it again in November.
What got you into doing nails?
My mom taught me how to do my own nails when I was young, and I would always do them for myself. I used to think that it was a waste of money to get it done professionally when I could do it myself. But I didn’t have all the tools, gel, equipment, and so on.
I never really looked into classes until my husband encouraged me. He found the most amazing teacher, Shira, at La Boutique near Zion Square (Kikar Zion). That was how I learned and got certified.
How did you come up with the name for your business?
I never realized that my Hebrew name, Tzipora, was not only the word for bird but also close to the word for nail. When I learned that, the name Tziporanayim made perfect sense.
I never really use my Hebrew name here, and I always thought the name Candice was unique, but now I’m thinking about changing it.
I made an account on Instagram, and I’m hoping to get more business there. It’s really fun to do unique designs and be creative, which is why I don’t necessarily want to do it full-time in a studio. I don’t want it to be a normal kind of business. Rather, I want to do fun and creative things with my work. To come up with crazy ideas and tackle challenges.