A Torah Painting on Creation, Hebrew Letters, and Renewal After a very difficult year, here’s me with the art of Genesis, finally starting afresh. This is a return to the beginning — a new Torah painting centered on the opening verses of Bereishit, the Book of Genesis. For Jews and Christians alike, Genesis is the […]
Choosing the perfect gift is difficult. The great sages have always known this. The Buddha alluded to it in the First Noble Truth where he poignantly states: “there is suffering (dukkha) in life.” Some commentators, like Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, France, 1040 – 1105), are so traumatized by the subject that they avoid it altogether. Others […]
Key Points The symbolism of the olive tree is about peace, endurance, and spiritual transformation in Jewish, Sufi, and Christian traditions. Olive oil is often a symbol of divine illumination and of blessing. The pressing of olives symbolizes spiritual refinement through hardship. Recipe: How to make your own olives. (Traditional olive making can connect us […]
This is a post about three paintings: A view of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a Jaguar E-type sports car, and a Kung Fu lesson in the park. But first, a few ruminations about what’s been going on in Israel. The recent release of hostages has been very emotional for a great many in Israel. […]
Elijah ascending to heaven as described in the Scripture: 2 Kings 2: As they were going along and talking, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father, my father, […]
Between Heaven and Earth I made this painting a couple of years ago, shortly after finishing the Daniel painting. Inspired by the angel from that project, I wanted to experiment a bit more with angels, which is a difficult subject. The story of Jacob’s Ladder is about the bridge between heaven and earth so in […]
Key Points Jewish Biblical Art developed under unique historical and halachic constraints that limited figurative imagery. Nevertheless, visual interpretations of Biblical narratives appeared in illuminated manuscripts, synagogue decoration, and select historical contexts. Modern Jewish Biblical Art reflects renewed cultural openness and engages both ancient texts and contemporary artistic language. Specific influences on my own Biblical […]
Within Daniel in the Lions’ Den is also an angel painting…..There was much debate about how to depict the angel. The final stages of this painting involved quite a lot of changes, and included adding the angel with his golden wings (gold leaf protected by shellac varnish)……now that feels better! Daniel needed his angel. This […]
Ceramic Biblical Art I really enjoyed making this piece of ceramic Biblical art; a whimsical depiction of a prophet with his cat! For the discerning collector of high-performance Biblical prophets and cats, this must be the sculpture for you! I made it in terracotta clay, firing it with an engobe (matt-finish) glaze. Later I added […]
After 40 years of wandering in the desert, the people of Israel are finally entering the Promised Land! This is a newly-commissioned painting based on an earlier version of this scene. I’ve just finished varnishing it and am soon to send it to its new home. The Judaean hills, covered in ancient goat-trails, provided the […]
