Creativity, by God!

Burning Bush Mezuzah, bronze- God spoke to Moses

I just came across a fortune I saved many years ago from a Chinese cookie. It's barely readable, but it's message is as strong as ever:

"The greatest joy is in creation"

I used to think about this all the time. Where do these ideas for art come from? What if I wake up one day and have no new ideas? What if I become a blank slate?

Well, to make a long story short, I believe that my creativity comes from the original Creator! It's a spirit that happily flows through my brain and my hands. So if I'm a blank slate or an empty vessel, I no longer worry. I know that the spirit of creativity that flows through me, through my hammer, through my saw, and through my pen, will always be replentished.  I'm not saying that I have nothing to do with this. Of course I have to work hard, and seek new ways of expressing myself. I take classes. I read everything I can get my hands on.  But most importantly, I just have to be open to receive that spirit and let the joy flow!

Judaic Art -Where's the Connection?

Custom Torah Pointer (yod)

Tomorrow I will get together with 7 other "Judaica artists."  I know two of them-noted photographer Bill Aron, and Rhonda Kap, a metalsmith, not unlike myself. The three of us used to display and sell at the wonderful Temple Isaiah Festival of Jewish Artists, in Los Angeles. It was an annual ritual for us, every November each year. It was one of the first  high quality shows of Jewish art, and a model for others to aspire to, around the country. Artists were juried into the show, and came from many countries. That festival was a gift to the Jewish community of Los Angeles for 25 years. I was privileged to be there for about 23 of those years, and when it ended, I felt a void in my November.

So what is Jewish Art? Is it art created only by Jewish artists? Or can anyone create Jewish art, as long as it contains some Jewish symbolism or conveys a story relevant to the Jewish experience? Perhaps it is art that is principally enjoyed and understood by Jewish people. Probably it is some combination of all, with a few other definitions thrown in as well. Some of it is functional and is used for ritual purposes.Some is purely decorative, and some is abstract and emotive.  I think that those of us who create this art, and those of us who appreciate it and perhaps collect it, feel that we know it when we see it!!

So, tomorrow is the artists' reception for the Judaic Art Exhibit at the Finegood Art Gallery, at the Jewish Community Center, in West Hills, a distant suburb of Los Angeles. Los Angeles has one of the largest Jewish populations in the world. We are now in the time period right between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, real heavyweights on the Jewish calendar. Jews are really feeling Jewish now, even if they feel less so during the rest of the year. Will they turn out in droves for this exhibit? I hope so. Hundreds of years ago, patrons supported their favorite artists. The artist held a position of respect in the community, and did not have to worry about selling his (mostly) creations. Patrons made it possible for the artists to continue working just as artists, while being able to support their families. Were the artists constrained in their artistic styles? Did they have artistic freedom over what they created?  I'm not sure, but it's fun to fantasize about having a patron who will pay for all materials plus a generous salary so we can work as we desire without a care!!

House of God Mezuzah

Seriously, I hope lots of people turn out for this reception tomorrow. I know the exhibit organizers have worked hard, and I also know that all visitors will be in for a real treat!

My Point of View (Excuse the pun!)

Of course we all are greatly excited about the Bar/Bat Mitzvah party that may be coming up in your family, but let's not forget the religious significance of this important event in your child's or grandchild's life. This would be the perfect opportunity to start him or her on a lifelong collection of ritual Judaica. I believe that the Jewish culture has been brought along, perhaps even saved, by the presence of ritual objects used in the home.

Have the proud grandparents or other relatives, friends, or haverim members asked what they can give to your child? They want to give something that is more meaninful and more enduring than a gift certificate to download music. Think about suggesting an exquisite silk Tallit, a a customized bronze or silver yod to use during the Torah reading, or even a small replica of a yod that can be worn as a necklace. Your son or daughter will surely need a beautiful tallit clip to hold the tallit securely on the shoulders, or a silver kippah pin to keep the kippah (yarmulke) on th head. Another idea is a wonderful door mezuzah for your child's room, which will be cherished for a lifetime. A neck mezuzah, star, or chai charm is also appreciated forever.

Have you ever wondered how to thank the rabbi, cantor, religious school teacher or other people so valuable to your child's religious education? A unique and personal option might be to present that special mentor, or the synagogue, with a lovely piece of Judaic art. Perhaps you might consider a beautiful yod, (Torah pointer, as pictured) in your child's name, or a special door mezuzah for the rabbi's office or sanctuary door. How about a mizrach or papercut for the library, or if you're feeling partiularly grateful, a breastplate or new crown for the Torah! However, don't forget to consult with the synagogue or school before you select such a special gift.

The above applies, even more so, to the about-to-be married couple. Think about what will enrich the home and the family that is about to be created. Consider the purchase of Judaic art, including ritual pieces, such as a menorah, Havdallah set, Shabbat candlesticks, Seder plate, etc. Adorn their first home with a lovely mezuzah, remembering that each doorway (except for the bathrooms) will need a mezuzah.

The art work you choose today will become the treasured keepsakes for generations to come.


http://www.ruthshapiro.etsy.com
http://www.growingupjewish.com

Next post, I'll define a few of the terms I've used above for my non-Jewish friends!

New Obscession or will it be an Addiction?

Well, I finished the repousse class I took last weekend, and have to seriously talk with myself to get my work done before I indulge in my new found obscession-hammering! I've done all sorts of metal working before, and can pretty much transform a piece of silver, copper or other metal. But...repousse is magical in the way a flat piece of metal rose before me, to unimaginable heights! Awww, too dramatic? No, really, it did, err, I did it!!!

I'm not good at this yet, -far from it- but I can see the possibilites are enormous! The only disadvantage is the time involved, time I don't have right now. There are blogs to write, sales calls to make, deliveries, and bench time to crank up before the holidays. So I'll have to practice restraint, and give myself a few minutes each day-like dessert at the end of a meal, -so I don't give in to the addiction!!

The photos show one of the pieces I started. I deliberately left all the hammer marks and random  scars of a beginner. Later on, I hope to show you the finished work. I also show the drawings of the various tools I used-I had to name them so I would remember which ones to use at each course around the piece. Later on, that should be 2nd nature for me.

See my notice on my FaceBook fan page, Growing Up Jewish, about my upcoming etching class, date to be announced. I posted a photo over there of an etched brooch I frequently wear.  
                        Night, now!

Hammering Away!!!

This weekend will be my first workshop in a long time, learning, not teaching, a new technique from famous jewelry designer and metalsmith Victoria Lansford!! I must admit that I've dabbled in this technique before, but with home-made tools and very old supplies. All I'll say now is that I'll be hammering for two days straight, from the front and the back of the piece of metal, and when I'm finished, I'll magically change a flat piece of copper or silver into a 3-dimensional shape, worthy of a fine piece of jewelry. BTW, if you are in southern California and you're making jewelry or other metalwork, and want to join a community of the nicest people around with similar interests, look into the Metal Art Society of Southern California. The website is massconline.com

Wish me luck this weekend!
Ruth

Another BTW: The silver bracelet pictured here is not done with the method I'll be learning this weekend, duh...It's a combination of fold forming and hydraulic press forming, plus a lot of sawing and filing. It's one of my favs!

Blog Day 1 by Ruth Shapiro

Please be patient- this is my very first blog ever! I'm finally coming into the 21st century, kicking a bit, but looking forward to this new chapter in my on line life!

Here's a little of what I do: I create and hand make Judaica, including mezuzah(s), Torah pointers, tallit clips, and a variety of jewelry, both Jewish-oriented and not. Come back often and let me know what you would like to see at this site. Also, go to my website at www.growingupjewish.com and see some of my newer work at my Etsy shop, www.ruthshapiro.etsy.com

I have a fan page on Facebook, titled, of course, GrowingUpJewish.

Now, take a look!