Early Artmaking
I was one of the lucky ones who were encouraged to make art by my public school teachers.
This linoleum block is from 5th grade. I was asked to finish the carving before the rest of the class in order to participate in a city-wide festival.
Unfortunately I was not instructed as to the proper use of the (sharp) tools. Eventually my left hand recovered.
As a result, on the rare occasions when I work with folks and sharp objects are involved, I'm quick to review safety concerns!
I have practically no artwork from my youth, but I have lots of fond memories of artmaking!
In high school a friend taught me how to silkscreen.
I was successful in getting three prints out of this design. I recall gifting one to a dear friend and mentor and I have this one. No idea what happened to the third!
This is probably my first piece of Jewish art as it was an attempt to include Hebrew lettering with leaves intended to spell out the word "chai" meaning life. Hebrew letters being what they are, I wasn't totally successful. IYKYK.
Turning 50 was it's own story.
I had recently moved back to New England for the last chapter of my parents' lives. My bother had been killed in an accident nine months before and shortly thereafter I met the man who was to become my spouse.
Grief was something I'd become too familiar with. I came to appreciate that my relationship with it began early in my life. When I was less than two years old my father faced the sudden death of HIS brother. The loss impacted us all.
This "50th Birthday" piece was created by digitally juxtaposing 50 images of my 3 year old self (from a photo of my siblings and beloved neighbors--- two of whom were tragically gone) onto a familiar image of my father's brother-- my Uncle Milton.
I then meditatively and tearfully watercolored the black and white image to bring in and claim the joy.