Cutting Up

 As with most projects, the concept needs to be developed, thought through, and then designed. For the triptych, I wanted something flowing and calm. It's going into my Rabbi's office and it will hopefully be a visual piece that hides some of the parking lot view that sits just outside the windows.  Since the office space is used for counseling, teaching, planning and "generic" rabbinic work, it needs to offer the Rabbi and visitors a sense of peace and tranquility. An additional consideration is that there is another art piece (blown glass) on the wall, so my colors need to work with it.

I enlisted the help of a friend who draws with ease and thus, a master pattern was created. Together we worked on colors, making sure the ribbons of color flow accurately from panel to panel. A quick trip to FedEx allowed me to make a set of copies to cut up. The originals are set out under the clear glass to guide my placement. 

Each piece is labeled with a number and a color coding...example:

SB *12 means sky blue piece, 12 and the asterisk means it flows to another piece and I should make sure it lines up.

All my violet glass pieces are cut out and placed. I'll probably need to grind a few edges, but I won't know that until neighboring pieces are finished. Today, I will return to the studio to work on Sky Blue.

Saw Woes Resolved....Onward!

 Sometimes we are at the mercy of our tools! I love my Taurus ring saw....but it does require care and maintenance. That is not my strength! 

Thankfully my husband is willing to replace belts, blades, grommets...and more. In addition to all these replacements, it turns out I needed new ball bearings...so during the down time I had, I scrubbed out the minuscule particles of glass dust that seemed to also have an impact on the belt.   Phew! much to my relief, all is repaired and the saw is working. 

Onward....the triptych awaits!

I'm on a Podcast!

 I had hoped to update you all on my progress with the triptych I began...but alas, my Taurus ring saw needed a new belt....and then I realized it could use a new blade....and then I realized that all the grommets also should be replaced. No problem. I had all those parts...or so I thought. In replacing the tiny grommets used to stabilize the blade, I discovered that the ball bearings were damaged.... So I await the arrival of ball bearings.... 2 for $7 plus a $10 shipping fee. NO COMMENT!

So instead I offer you a humble bit of self promotion.  I don't know why I was invited to be interviewed...but it was a fun and unique experience. Thank you Rockne Roll, editor of the Portland Jewish Review for this opportunity. Interested? you can find the interview at:

Eddy Shuldman Podcast

NEW PROJECT: JUST GETTING STARTED!

 A Triptych of flowing colorful glass ribbons is on the horizon!

It's a commission of sorts...a combination of a requested gift and my donation. 

Step 1: Created a master pattern . I called in the services of a dear friend who kindly and masterfully drew the ribbons across three sheets of paper.  √

Step 2: Pick out potential glass colors, making sure I have enough glass in stock to cover it all! √

Step 3: Assign colors to the pattern √

Step 4: Run to the print shop and get a full size copy of the pattern. I'll use one as the master and the other will be cut up and glued to the glass so I can make accurate cuts.

There was a Pre-step which involved other people (friends of the recipient) creating a black mosaic border for the piece. In this way, the community of friends all had a literal hand in the gift. The border mosaic will need some slight adjustments but for the most part, it's done! √

Truth be told, I started this process awhile ago only to learn that the colors I selected wouldn't work! Other obligations arose and so finally.....finally, this project is underway.  Step 4 happens today!

I'll be documenting the project routinely...at least, that's my optimism at work! We'll see!

Stay tuned!

Self-Promotion

 I was recently invited to talk about Jewish art, ORA, and some of my glass efforts on a podcast hosted by Rockne Roll of the Portland Jewish Review.

Here's the link:https://rss.com/podcasts/jewishreviewpdx/2541490/

I thought I would be more nervous, but Rockne really made me feel comfortable and by doing this in person, it felt more like a conversation than an interview....anyway, if you are interested, please feel free to tune in.

Latest Project

 I haven't posted in awhile...so what else is new?....!

I've been working on an erev Shabbat prayerbook project that features the artwork of residents of Rose Schnitzer Manor.

The prayer book makes its debut tonight.

Here a re a few examples of the gorgeous art that is included in the book: