I am interested in the power of ritual to create community, celebration, inspiration, and healing. It is important to bring people together to notice their humanity, what they think, and feel, and dream of, and how they are strengthened by their connection to each other and the natural world. Art has many ways to accomplish this through the processes of installation and participatory performance. Collage and assemblage allow memories and memorabilia to be “woven” into personally treasured objects. Click images for a larger view.
Mezuzah Cover for new, contemporary style, sanctuary with sweeping curves, Congregation Bet Ha'am , Portland, Maine
2009
In creating my mezuzah cover for the Congregation’s new building, I considered the power of words and prayer to inspire and focus us. Hebrew calligraphy has the ability to connect us to a history, a people, and a source of identity. This ancient text seemed too beautiful to be completely hidden, yet too complex in its intent to be left completely visible at first glance. The curves of the sanctuary roof and the simplicity of the contemporary building design led to the shape and material I used. Plexiglass is warm and, when sanded, silken to the touch. I wanted the person touching it to look forward to touching/seeing it again. I wanted the text under our fingers to be the focus of attention.
altar/table
Hannukah 2004
a woman of valor
An ode to my mother after her death, utilizing her mementos. 2004
Hebrew Blessing
Wall hung two-part blessing for the Fruit of the Tree 2003
punctuation series
Ceremonial objects for the transition to womanhood. Created for a collaborative project with letters, each made by a different artist. So much about our society and the English language is called “generic”, yet is actually male. It seemed that a “woman’s touch” might be useful, as well as fun. This literal interpretation led to an exploration of the material as well as the concept. 2005