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Since 1987 I have concentrated on producing artwork that is centred on Jewish traditions and ceremonies, such as Ketubot to be used as legal documents during weddings, Barmitzvah portraits, as well as artistic decorative representations of prayers and festivals.
The extension of this form of artwork has resulted in my looking for inspiration in the beautiful words found in the Tanach, the Siddur and Machsorim.

The Jewish Religion is full of wonderful traditions that are able to be interpreted in a personal way. One of these ways is to represent the customs and history with visual symbolism. Thus prayers can be enjoyed and appreciated not only by reading but also by looking at visual impressions.

Over the past few years I have started incorporating paper-cutting into my work, hand-cut with a scalpel. This is another Jewish Tradition, largely lost after the Holocaust wiped out the art of Eastern European Jews. Some words need only a monochromatic decoration to enhance them. 

The reluctance to depict the human form in Jewish Art has also resulted in the development of and concentration on decorative borders and embellishments to my style. An extension of this is the use of colour, which is significant.

By enabling people to first enjoy a visual interpretation, I hope that it would encourage them to read more precious Hebrew documents and find beauty in words.

I also feel that Israel, (and its people), needs as much support in as many forms and ways possible. By concentrating on producing prayers of peace I feel that I contribute spiritually in a unique way.

 

All Artwork Copyright Aliza Freedman 2008