Sparks of Spirit Glass

The Chair Affair: An awesome event!

2012-02-11T19:09:00.002-08:00

If you have been reading my previous blog postings, you know how passionate I am about one of the most significant community treasures in Portland. I am talking about the Community Warehouse; a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting people to live independently with decent furnishings. I am talking about children having beds to sleep in!!!!!!
This is a picture of LAMENTABLE - my donation to this year's fund raiser.

This is my fifth donation to the Chair Affair- the annual fundraising event that allows this stellar organization to meet the needs of a growing client list.

There are all kinds of way you can help:
1. Buy a ticket and come to the event!
2. Come to the First Thursday event in March and leave a donation
3. Write a check and donate to a worthy cause
4. Look around your house.....spare blankets, furniture, sheets? Donate them!

****It's lamentable that my blogging skills prevent me from a adequately enlarging the text on the poster I included with my table donation. The laments on the poster are as follows:

Lamentations from my Studio

Ach! I couldn’t find the right table

Ay Caramba! No fresh ideas emerging!

Darn it! I bought the wrong paint!

Oy Vey! My test piece didn’t work at all! Now what?

Auwe! A great Hawaiian lament. Wish I was in Hawaii now!

Mon Dieu! I wish I was in France right now. I could use some wine! (whine?)

Good Grief! A piece of copper shifted out of place

OMG! I am done... !!!!!

COMMUNITY WAREHOUSE- Chair Affair Part 1

2012-02-11T19:04:00.003-08:00

About my project:
This is the first of two posts!

I eventually had fun with this project. I found the small table at the warehouse. It wasn't what I was looking for, but there it was...looking lonely and sad (which is why I can't go the animal shelter!) and it was begging me to pick it.

I brought it home and stared at it. Just when I thought I had time to work on it, a family emergency came up and so the project was put on hold....and out on hold....and put on hold! Then came the dreaded email that talk abut deadlines....and well.....

LAMENTABLE was born. Below is the handout I crafted to go with the project. I think it sums it all up.
I also hope it is legible on this site!

Look for my next post to see how you can contribute to a great organization!

LAST MONTH to see my work at Neveh Shalom

2012-01-07T22:44:00.000-08:00

The ORA exhibit at Neveh Shalom will be up through the beginning of February. My Torah ornaments and bowls are a part of that display.

The second Friday night of each month at Neveh is called ORA Shalom: A Shabbat for the Senses.
On January 13th (7:30pm)Cantor Bletstein will rock the house as she chants the service accompanied by local band KLEZMOCRACY.

It's a cool service! Artists will be on hand in the lobby to chat with congregants after the service. WIne and refreshments are available.

Come on over...introduce yourself to me and let's schmooze a bissel!

We had fun!

2011-12-29T21:03:00.000-08:00

The exhibit at Art on Broadway has come to an end.....but we had fun!
Here's a shot of some of us enjoying the reception.
Lobby show at the MJCC in February as we welcome Jewish Arts Month (or will it be Jewish Arts Moments....since there will be so many of them!) Stay tuned!

JOIN US SATURDAY NIGHT!

2011-12-07T12:54:00.000-08:00

Art on Broadway is the place! 12570 SW Broadway in downtown BEAVERTON!
There will be an artists reception....6-9 pm.
Come have a nosh and look at all the beautiful art. I have two large pieces on display. Everything in the gallery is available for purchase!

ART....an awesome gift for yourself and others!

ORA artists at the gallery include:

The Artists:
Barbara Berger- photography, Roberta Cohen-jewelry, Leslie Elder-painting, Laura Joy Fendel-fabric sculpture, Diane Fredgant-silk painting Anna Kodesch-painting,
Esther Liberman- beaded works, Sharon Segal-painting, Ellen Shefi-paintography
, Eddy Shuldman-fused glass,
Diana Unterspan-fiber art

Two Paths

2011-12-01T23:34:00.000-08:00

This is one of two new pieces I have on display at Art on Broadway. It is a shallow platter that can either be a display piece or functional serving-ware.

The show opens Friday, December 3. See the details in the post below.

The photo was taken with my phone. Glass is always challenging to capture in a photo....this one was no different. I hope to replace it with a better photo eventually.

The glass is a beautiful red with sparkling adventurine green accents. This is part of my series of Wanderings-themed work. I am fascinated with how we move about in our world, the various paths we select for ourselves and those who choose to join us in our journeys.

I have lived in Oregon since I was 2 years old. My parents each immigrated to the U.S. after WWII. Their paths were very different but they landed in the same place, met each other, got married and then moved again to the other side of America. They joined other family who had made the trek out west before them.

Life is filled with many journeys: school, life, love, work, children, travel. What is the journey you are on now?

This December- SEE ME ON BROADWAY!

2011-11-29T22:38:00.000-08:00

ART ON BROADWAY

I submitted some glass to the jury and am pleased that my two favorite pieces were selected!

I will post photos soon.

The gallery will feature several ORA artists as well as a number of other talents.

The show opens December 3rd....please stop by!

You are invited to an artists reception on the 10th from 6-9pm

I hope to see you there!

12570 SW Broadway, Beaverton OR 97005

Here is the "Before" Shot

2011-11-22T15:06:00.000-08:00

Not sure yet what I will do with this former night stand....but I know it will have glass on it soon!

If you are reading this and don't know about the Chair Affair and Community Warehouse...please read the last posting..... and please.....consider making a donation now!

3969 Northeast MLK Jr. Boulevard Portland, OR 97212-1117
(503) 235-8786

Community Warehouse Needs Your Support!

2011-11-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

This organization is one of the most fantastic non profits anyone can imagine. They hook up unwanted furniture with people who want/need furniture and other household goods. Portland, Oregon is soooo fortunate to have this volunteer driven organization. Even members of their paid staff volunteer here (they are sooooo artistic!)

Every year they host a mega fund raiser called The Chair Affair. Artists gather at the warehouse , pick out a piece of furniture and artistically rehab it. We turn our new creations back to the Warehouse and they host an auction. This will be my 5th!

SO HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.....the warehouse was sadly empty! Without donations of all kinds of household items, needy families will continue to be needy. Imagine not having a bed to sleep on or no chair to sit on!

You can make a cash donation and/or donate some household goods. It is just that easy!!!!! I don't have any furniture to donate right now so I bought some shower curtains and rings...and am looking around for some other useful stuff to donate. You could do that too!
How? just go to : communitywarehouse.org/

Tomorrow I will post a "before" picture of my project.

So nu? Donate something already!

Great Show!

2011-11-01T16:05:00.001-07:00

My gratitude to Ellen Shefi for snapping off some shots of my booth. Of course I forgot to bring my camera!

Setting up is messy work so I wore sweats and thankfully had time for a shower before the show began.

It was a great day! I saw old friends, met many new people, sold quite a bit of glass....just plain had fun!

And now, it's back to the studio to create some new pieces. I hope to jury in to the ORA show hosted by Art on Broadway in Beaverton. One of ORA's members (Roberta Cohen) is a parter at this gallery. It's a beautiful space and they have done a tremendous job of rehabbing the space and attracting numerous talented artists. Stay tuned for more details!

Glass Servers

2011-10-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

I decided to be a little playful. I made a tilt bowl and some serving tools...all from recycled glass.

It was fun and different!

Want to see the bowl? Go to the ORA blog and check it out...or better yet, come see it on Sunday, Oct 30th between 10:30-4:30 at the MJCC (6651 SW Capitol Hwy) CELEBRATION OF ART '11!

Come to my booth and tell me you read my blog.... you'll get a prize! Buy something and I will upgrade your prize!

Finding refuge in my studio

2011-10-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

My days have been far too busy....
I did a brief inventory of my glass stock and discovered I am shockingly low on new glass.
Pictured above was the most recent glass I made this sumemr...a seder plate called Wanderings.

Photographing glass is always a challenge. The colors are far more vibrant in person!

Tomorrow I'll post a photo of a bowl that will be fresh out of the kiln. It is based on the same wanderings concept but isn't judaica specific.

This morning I spent 3 glorious hours working on glass and rehabbing my kiln. For the past couple of weeks I have only had 30 minutes here and there to get anything done. I created the "parts" of projects I can now soak myself into. Hopefully assembly and firing will move swiftly and I will have fresh glass to offer at the Celebration of Art sale on October 30th. For more information simply scroll down this blog to my previous post.

Over 25 artists will be represented.....the deli will be open and we'll have live music. Grab a friend and come see what is new. Support local artists.....in this economy, we need your help!

drop me a note if you read this blog entry...let me know you are here!....you can always sign in anonymously, if you are shy!

Celebration of Art 2011 ~ !

2011-10-14T00:38:00.000-07:00

check out our blog:

http://northwestjewishartists.blogspot.com/

NEW SHOW OPENS 9/9/11

2011-09-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

Friday Night services at Neveh Shalom every second Friday of the month will be a service for the senses called ORA SHALOM.

Artist members of ORA will be on rotation showing their work. For the next two months, several artists INCLUDING ME will be showing a sampling of our art.

Services begin at 6:16. Tonight we will pray in the courtyard and then head to the lobby to view art and schmooze with artists.

Above is a sample of my work on display. It is dichro on dichro and is called MAGEN (which means shield.)

The Play Is The Thing!

2011-08-04T23:53:00.000-07:00

The OLDER BUT WISER Writers of Rose Schnitzer Manor have completed their one-act plays!

We are proud to announce the premiere of these plays on August 14th (SUNDAY), The curtain goes up at 4pm. Doors open at 3:45. The plays should conclude by 5:30pm

These plays will be directed by well known local playwright and director, Matthew Zrebski and will feature local professional actors who will read each play.

Admission is free, however we are asking for a donation of $10 to help pay the bills!

A portion of this event is sponsored by the Oregon Arts Commission and a portion by the Portland chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women. The Mittleman Jewish Community Center has also been a generous supporter of all JAM events.

The Southeast Music Center
3350 Southeast Francis Street
Portland, OR 97202-3066

Surprised to see a JAM event in August? The writers began their work this spring, but illness and other commitments disrupted our plans....so who says we can't JAM a little in the summer?

Join us please!

Klezmocracy UPDATE!!!!!

2011-06-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

A great concert just got a little better! Klezmocracy just announced that they have added vocals by Portland's own Debbie Bletstein, Cantor at Neveh Shalom and former Broadway performer......AND, woodwinds played by Ed Kraus.

This is a show NOT TO BE MISSED!!!!!!
See y'all there~!

MUST SEE/ MUST HEAR

2011-05-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

I CAN'T SING THEIR PRAISES HIGH ENOUGH!!!!

Twice in the past 6 weeks I have felt myself transported to amazing places while listening to these guys play live and in concert.

I own their albums and I am on my way to becoming a groupie!!!!!! (I don't know what that means!)

I am a serious fan of Klezmer Music. I love Jazz. These guys know how to to do both. Just look at their faces while they make their music. They are joyous and their music will transport you to happy places, as well. REALLY!

I'll be there....how about you?

Heres the scoop:

Klezmocracy at Alberta Rose Theatre on June 11 for their CD release of "Reach". Minors welcome w/ adult. For more information please go to albertarosetheatre.com or call 502-746-4131 for ticket information.

Glass in New Orleans

2011-05-09T23:22:00.000-07:00

New Orleans Aids Memorial

Close up: Faces of Aids

Long over-due, I have finally downloaded my photos from New Orleans. I didn't see a lot of glass.... I will admit I was swept away by the gorgeous music and soooooo....

What you see above was absolutely the most beautiful glass I saw during my brief stay in the Big Easy!

This is in a community park. It is the New Orleans Aids Memorial.....the Faces of Aids.

Tim Tate designed the structure, Mitchell Gaudet cast the faces- Brian Borello and Erica Larkin crafted the metal.

This is a remarkable, thoughtful and beautiful tribute to the victims of Aids. It is a must see for all glass lovers.

PDX LIVE!!!!!!!!! and ORA Shalom!

2011-04-23T22:10:00.001-07:00

Neveh Shalom Friday May 13th at 6:15 pm.....An amazing soulful and spiritual Friday evening service!

Cantor Deborah Betstein will be accompanied by various musicians including the rhythm section of the awesome local band Klezmocracy!

The second Friday night of each month is an Art Shabbat.... more music, art in the lobby, and really good davenning.

2900 SW Peaceful Lane, PDX..... Some of my art work is on display in the main sanctuary foyer along with some gorgeous works by my sisters in art! Come check it out.....see ya there!

NEW ORLEANS!

2011-04-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

I AM HEADED TO THE BIG EASY!!!!!

In addition to listening to lots of great jazz,

I will also take pix of glass...all kinds of glass! I will post here daily or as often as I find glass worthy of a picture.

See y'all!

Neveh Shalom/ORA Shalom Exhibit Opens Friday

2011-04-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

Congregation Neveh Shalom is host to a unique Friday night service called ORA Shalom....a wonderful name combining our art group (ORA) and Shalom from Neveh Shalom...together it means light of peace.

Each second Friday night of the month will be dedicated to art and creativity and Hiddur Mitzvah.

April 8th services begin at 6:15. They are brief but tuneful . Cantor Bletstein wil incorporate the theme of the art show (GATES) into the prayers and music.... During the Kiddush following services Laurie endel will say a few words about our group show and the theme of Gates.

On display, I have a new seder plate on display and a breast plate I made last year that fits the theme. The works are wonderful and I hope many of you can come either to services or another time to view this group show which will remain through the end of May.

Although I am disappointed I couldn't bring my other gateways piece to life (yet) , it is still being designed and it will be done when it is done! I learned a long time ago never to rush a good thing!

Newest Project

2011-03-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

I am wrestling with ideas and am finally prepared to commit myself to a basic shape. i think it will be a tryptich....likely hinged.

The theme is gateways and I am a bit smitten with the moorish keyhole gate concept. There are lots of technical challenges that I want to solve before I wrestle with designs (although I have some beautiful hebrew quotes I know I will incorporate....they will inspire the design!) Wish me luck and stay tuned.

MJCC Lobby Art Show

2011-03-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

All week long you can find beautiful art in the lobby of the MJCC...6651 SW Capitol HWY.-PDX)
Free! (unless you want to use the Sports Faciilty! )

Stop by, have a bite of lunch or even a cup of coffee at the J CAFE and view the art.
Never been the the MJCC? ask for a tour!
I have been a long time member of this facility and gotta say..... it's the key to my increasing good health. Some years I have been a content couch potato....but I am working hard toward increased good health and the J is an important part of my plan.

OKAY, Back to art. On display this week....Diane Fredgant's brightly painted silks, Jessica Israel's gorgeous photography, Sabina Wohfeiler's stunning paintings and my fused glass JUDAICA and other functional art.

I AM TALKING COLOR!!!!

I will take pictures tomorrow and post!....

CHAIR AFFAIR 2011

2011-03-21T22:56:00.000-07:00

This is my donation this year to the Chair Affair.....a major fundraiser for The Community Warehouse.
These are my before and after shots.

To learn more about this fabulous organization and how you can support them go to:
communitywarehouse.org

you can get a sneak peak at all the donated art work going for auction on April 7th...First Thursday!
details at their website.

My View Out Back!

2011-02-17T15:57:00.000-08:00

I am blessed to have a forest and creek in my back yard. Two steps out of my studio door and this was my view today, captured by my iphone camera.

Yesterday it snowed, rained, hailed, and snowed some more. Today, it is pure sunshine.

It only takes a few minutes of staring out back to refresh and renew my spirits.....I am ready to go back and tackle my next project.

I am not posting as frequently because I am working hard to organize Jewish Arts month.
Check out that blog to find out what great events are connected with this almost 12 week "month!"

jewishartsmonth.blogspot.com

New Mezuzah Line!

2011-01-28T00:07:00.000-08:00

Fresh out of the kiln! Three new styles of Mezzuzot (plural for Mezuzah.)

I was commissioned to create a Mezuzah for a beach front home. It needed to be water resistant and sit flush against the door post. I wasn't sure what she wanted so I created three very different pieces.

These photos were just snapped this afternoon on the beach just outside of the vacation home. Of course the klaf wasn't inside any of them when I took the pictures. The home owner selected the pomegranate!

A Man of Vision, A Man of Peace

2011-01-13T21:42:00.000-08:00

I had coffee today with LeRoy Goertz.
The Oregonian had a feature story about his newest artistic creation: A Project called The Art of Reconciliation.

I won't repeat his story here. He says it well enough on his website. http://www.artofreconciliation.com/leroygoertz.htm
LeRoy is a sculptor and a dreamer. He has already begun the dialogue with numerous groups Apparently there was quite an exhibition on November 20th in celebration of Resolution Northwest's 25th Anniversary celebration.

There will be more conversations as we explore the potential of gathering artists from multiple cultural backgrounds to work together in a meaningful way.... using art to spread the message of reconciliation and peace. Will it work? Have there been studies to prove this is possible? Probably not, but how can you listen to music or view a piece of art or read a poem and not be affected?

Stay tuned.....this man is on to something! It was so kind of him to open the door to those of us who wish to join him! THANK YOU LEROY! We'll be talking!

TIME TO THINK ABOUT SEDER PLATES

2010-12-28T14:31:00.000-08:00

I will be accepting orders for custom-made fused glass seder plates beginning on January 1, 2011.
Posted here are samples of past seder plates made for commission or general sales. Contact me here, visit me on the ORA Northwest Jewish Artists website or send me an email: sparksofspirit@gmail.com and tell me what you'd like. I have many glass colors in stock and many designs to choose from.

I'll deliver your plate free in the city of Portland or arrange for low cost shipping to your location.

I have just drawn up plans for two new designs of seder plates styles which should go into production in a week or two....I'm vacationing at the Oregon coast but am also dreaming up new glass designs! It's very exciting!

I'll post new pix as the pieces emerge from my kiln.

In the mean time.....Happy New Year 2011!

Northwest Spirit

2010-12-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

A tray for your lox? Maybe for your sushi?
In honor of our common love for salmon, this is my adaptation of pacific northwest Native American art.

The plate uses copper foil cutouts sandwiched between layers of steel blue and clear glass. Accents include dichroic and red glass.

Dichroic Pop!

2010-12-08T22:28:00.000-08:00

A transparent dichroic star of david was fused to the surface of a clear capped plate of colorful dichroic glass.
The impact is remarkable.....the star seems superimposed ....almost 3D!

I love watching how the colors shift in color and intensity as the light changes.

Home show scenes

2010-12-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

Here are some simple shots of my home display for last weekend's sale. We had slow but steady traffic.
I hope to post pics of Julie and Esther's display soon!

We hope to do more sales, perhaps in other people's homes. There is a different energy when you do a home sale in contrast to large group shows and exhibits. Although it is still a tiring experience, it is a more relaxed effort and you have control over the background music!

Now it's time to inventory what is left and pack it all up in anticipation of the next event!

Private Sale Next Sunday! (december 5)- new items

2010-11-26T18:48:00.000-08:00

Cheese plates and wine bottle stoppers made from fused glass will be available for sale in addition to my usual items. The sale will be at my home in Portland Oregon from 11am-5 pm. Custom orders available!

We'll have beadwork, fine silver and gem jewelry and glass. There will also be a sale at another location on the 4th.
Need directions? send me a quick note: sparksofspirit@gmail.com

Coffee, a nosh, and the perfect hand crafted gift!

Private Sale Dec 4-5

2010-11-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

Bead work by Esther Liberman, fine jewelry by Julie Hockley, and my glass will be available for sale on these two days.....
@ my house on Sunday the 5th.
There will be all kinds of functional glass...not just judaica.
wine bottle stoppers, cheese plates, sushi dishes and trays, bowls.....
Interested? DROP ME AN EMAIL and I'll send directions for either/both days!
http://www.northwestjewishartists.org/

want to see work by Esther and Julie? go to http://www.northwestjewishartists.org/ then click on
artists.

Weaving glass....REALLY?

2010-11-10T22:09:00.000-08:00

I call this piece spiritual gridlock. I was talking with a friend a while back and she was talking about her spiritual practice. As she described her spiritual journeying I began to see glass imagery. It was a great conversation that inspired me to finally try weaving glass. It was a little frustrating but in the end, very satisfying!

I look forward to playing with this process a little more!

Celebration of Art 2010!

2010-11-01T23:47:00.000-07:00

We had a sizable crowd (approximately 600!). Sales were brisk for some artists and less so for others. These types of sales/exhibits are tricky. Sometimes very talented artists don't sell and we all are left wondering why?

We'll be exploring the possibility of diversifying our venues and perhaps adding more shows. Different Sales attract different customers, so I think the exploration will continue.

I was pleased with my sales, especially since I had limited new stock. In addition to sales I also received a few commissions. With luck I will complete them in the next week.

Pictured are a couple of views of my booth.

Last of the Red-Hot Mammas!

2010-10-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

You won't want to miss this! Wendy Westerwelle ( a HOT MAMMA in her own right!) will star in this one woman show about Sophie Tucker. This is must see entertainment right here in Portland at the Coho Theater Dec 2-26, 2010 See you there!

Custom Clips

2010-10-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

Leaf clips for the tallit belonging to a landscape architect and
blue pomegranates for a Bat Mitzvah tallit .

The leaves are made from aventurine glass. The green sparkles with subtle gold flecks whenever the light hits it!

The pomegranates have dichroic glass "seed pods"

It's always fun to hear what people select and even more fun trying to use the glass to achieve their desires.

The Celebration of Art Show is this Sunday at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center. Hours are 10am-4 pm- October 24th 2010.

I will have some pre-made clips, bowls, trays, Torah adornments on display...and commissions are welcome.

I am pleased that despite setbacks by my arm, I have sufficient stock to put out a nice display.
I hope you'll come, stop by, say hello and tell me that you saw my blog.

Lots and Lots of squares

2010-10-12T23:41:00.000-07:00

It still hurts to cut glass, so I've been rummaging around my studio looking for pre-cut anything....

...and I found a small box of 1x1" squares!

I am dreaming up something a little more creative than a checkerboard plate.....at least a different kind of checkerboard.....
...hmmmmm....?????

I've washed and dried them....now to play and arrange and rearrange! Hope something great emerges!

First Effort

2010-10-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

Well, it's a start. Four months of physical therapy and I have some decent range of motion in my elbow. The shoulder is improving at a snail's pace...and I'll admit, it isn't fun to be cutting glass. Elbow and shoulder strength are needed and I just don't have it yet.

A big sale (Celebration of ART 2010 @ MJCC) is only a couple of weeks away so it's time to get busy and hope that my arm will hold out. Come see me at the sale....Oct 24th 10am-4pm~!

New x-rays on the 20th.....hopefully I am continuing to make solid healing progress!
P/T is helping and I am now down to 1x/ week. I can do it!!!!!

New Stuff !

2010-09-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

Brooches...the "in" word for pins....
just came out of my kiln .
Here are two of my favorites....pinless thus far.
They aren't typical of the work I usually do.

Tell me what you think!

Optimism

2010-09-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

I have nothing new to post! This is a piece (a flat tile) I made last summer. It speaks to me of possibilities.....

....sigh!.....We didn't get around to setting up the saw and cutting glass. The short time my son was home evaporated...but every moment was worth it. When Rosh Hashanah has ended, I will tackle some new projects. I will invite some friends to come help me set up the saw and help me get the needed blanks cut. Asking for help really is ok!

I am determined...and optimistic....even though I still haven't heard a word from my surgeon about when I can begin to handle weight with my right arm (yes, I am sulking!....okay, I'm done!)

So I am pledging optimism for myself! RH is a week away......a time for renewal, asking for forgiveness from others, and a time to forgive myself.

To those of you kind enough to visit this site...and to those who do not......wishes for a peaceful, joyous, and HEALTHY new year!

Torah Adornments / Breast Plates

2010-08-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what my resistance is to calling them breast plates- I just prefer the term adornments!

Congregation Neveh Shalom in Portland, Oregon has been kind enough to offer ORA (my art group) display space. The High Holiday show opened today and will close October 5th. Much of our work is Judaica based...and the rest is spiritual in nature and represents the hard work of my artist colleagues.

I don 't have much to display since I haven't been able to create new items, but I am displaying a fused glass seder plate and a Torah Adornment. Rabbi Brad Greenstein has agreed to display two additional Adornments on Torahs we'll use in the downstairs services he'll be leading with Cantor Ilene Safyan.

I am so honored....and so excited. I have been using the adornments to mark an eastern interior wall of my house...each, a mizrach. I love looking at them there, but seeing them actually on a Torah.....I can't explain the feelings I have! Much gratitude to the shul...and Rabbi Brad!

Celebration of Art 2010! & .......

2010-08-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

ORA: Northwest Jewish Artists proudly presents its 5th annual art show.

This will be our third show at the MJCC. Most exciting is our commitment to support the Kehilla Housing Project by donating 10% of our proceeds to this endeavor.

You can learn about this project which will develop assisted independent living apartments for adults with developmental disabilities.... http://cedarsinaipark.org/explore-our-services/kehillah-housing/

I hope I can get my arm back into production mode soon.....! I hope to make some new designs in fused glass art and judaica. I hope you will come to our sale and buy my work......your purchases will help a fantastic cause as well as boost my self esteem!

Mark your calendars now.....October 24th 2010 10-4pm at the mjcc!

more info to follow!

Son + Saw = some new glass....finally!

2010-08-10T23:44:00.000-07:00

I still can't do any weight - bearing activities....but now that my son is home for a visit.....he can lift, and schlep, and tote water for my Taurus Ring saw!

I was able to use my left hand to push the glass and only used my right arm to "steer."

Ok, I had to take several breaks to relax the shoulder, but it worked and I was able to craft several tallit clips.

A wonderful discovery in my studio...... apparently I cut some round and square blanks before I broke my arm. YAY! If i can find some clear blanks to go with them or get some help cutting the clear....I will actually be able to begin creating work for the Celebration of Art 2010 show in October (October 24th...in case you were wondering!) This will be ORA: Northwest Jewish Artists 5th annual show (our 3rd at the.
I'll be posting more info shortly!

NOT READY TO ARM WRESTLE YET !

2010-08-04T22:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not ready for arm wrestling yet....but the elbow is straightening out and also bending well.
I'll get fresh x rays at the end of the month and hopefully will then get the go ahead to start weight bearing.

Our art group, ORA will have a show at Neveh Shalom for about 6 weeks. I'm a little sad that I can't create something new for that so I hope to figure out a way to display my Torah adornments.

I'm starting to sketch out some new ideas and hope that I can get started soon. I did find some pre-cut blanks in my studio, so maybe I can create some embellishments using the saw next week.....I might just pull that off!

wish me luck!

Quackin' Good TIme!

2010-07-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

Despite my frustrations with not getting to make glass for a while, I have had a bit of time to reflect on the month I spent in Eugene teaching an education course at the Uof O.

I had an amazing group of grad students on the verge of becoming teachers. My fears about not having useful information were thankfully unfounded. My prior experiences at PSU teaching Literacy in the Content area was good preparation for this course which was sub-titled: Everything They Should have taught You That You Need To Know. I appreciate the trust the Ed. dept. gave me- allowing me to invent this elective course. I especially appreciate the welcome I received from my students.

The world of public education is a tough place to be in these days- lots of meaningless testing and accountability crap (sorry about the soap box!) We need the idealism of these fresh new faces to beat this ridiculous set of BS procedures so we can get down to really teaching our kids!

My first year of retirement was a busy one....teaching writing at the Rose Schnitzer Manor, tutoring bar/bat mitzvah students, orchestrating JAM (Jewish Arts Month), continuing my glass work and having a leadership role in our art group, ORA. The broken elbow/major surgery does not make the list of highlights, but teaching at the U of O does!

The old arm is sore but I can feel myself growing stronger each week. I resume physical therapy tomorrow and hope they can find some ways to help me get the arm a little straighter!..

New glass ideas are emerging so hopefully this fall will be a time of productive glass work!

Disappointments

2010-07-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

The 99W Craft Show enjoyed great weather but a very poor turnout. I was hoping to move some of my older stock but you can't have a good show with a small customer base. Oh well! It was a pretty day and I was in good company.

The other disappointment is i am still a couple months away from working on glass. The surgeon says no weight bearing activity until at least the end of August...and even then I may not be able to work on glass. Darned elbow!

I will try to redirect this sadness into design work so when I do get the thumbs up from the medical world, I will be ready to create new pieces for the 2010 October 24th Celebration of Art at the MJCC. New Judaica ideas are already brewing

But now....I am off to the beach for some inspiration and a little R&R.

Come see my booth at.....

2010-07-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

SUMMER CRAFT SHOW- come see me!

2010-06-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

My friend and amazing bead artist, Esther Liberman will be sharing a canopy with me at:

"Craft-In" Arts & Crafts Show
Saturday, July 17th
10 am - 4:30 pm
at the historic 99W Drive-In Theatre Parking Lot
in Newberg, Oregon 97132
Admission: Free

come see us!

Esther will have her usual creative and exotic jewelry, I will have a few pendants and a number of plates, bowls and dishes. Little to no Judaica will be featured but we can always discuss a commission.

It's a great opportunity to support local artists while on your way to or from wine country and/or the coast.

Hope to see you there!

taking a break!

2010-06-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

broke my elbow and so.....it's time to take a break. I'll resume blogging when i can figure how to effectively make glass with just my left hand!

More Fused Glass Judaica

2010-05-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

This is a more contemporary piece. I call it Aseret HaDibrot...literally ten speakings or sayings...more commonly known as the Ten Commandments.

Text and subtext...it's all there.

A CALL FOR ARTISTS

2010-05-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

ORA: Northwest Jewish Artists has put out a call for guest artists to be juried for the fall Celebration of Art Show and Sale.

Information can be found at: http://www.northwestjewishartists.org/callartists2010.html

Latest Commissioned Work

2010-04-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

I was commissioned to create a wedding gift- a 15" bowl . Colors: Black, red, blue.
That was the extent of the directions I had.

The groom is the son of my customer's dearest friend. It had to be special.
I thought about what kind of metaphor could influence the design.

I titled this piece On A Path... Together. The path is filled with dichroic gem nuggets tacked to the surface. It's a fairly firm tack so it is smoother than bumpy. i don't want to wish the couple a bumpy journey....! I hope they like it.
The colors are much brighter in real life.

They'll make you cry!

2010-04-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Rose Schnitzer Manor writers are vibrant and young at heart.
Won't you join us as they present some of their favorite poems and stories.

They will provoke tears of laughter and they will touch your hearts with the more somber tales they will tell.

Music by jazz pianist George Fendel begins at 6:45 and the reading will begin "Jewish Standard Time" @ 7pm-ish!

The Older But Wiser Cafe is jointly sponsored by Cedar Sinai Park and Jewish Arts Month.

ROSE SCHNITZER MANOR Writes!

2010-04-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

With amazing assistance from my friends Laurie Fendel and Diane Solomon, I have been privileged to teach a writing class once a week at Rose Schnitzer Manor (RSM- an independent and assisted living facility here in PDX!)

Book artist Shu-Ju Wang helped us assemble these books!

My love of stories has only grown because of the rich lives members of this group have lived.

We have compiled a book of their stories and poems. Thursday, April 22nd RSM will host the OLDER BUT WISER CAFE at 7pm. Just come through the front door and ask for directions!

There will be a variety of snacks, beer and wine.....and most importantly: great stories!
Come hear the voices of these writers, learn their stories....laugh and cry..... I can hardly wait!

MUST SEE THEATER

2010-04-15T22:48:00.000-07:00

Wendy Westerwelle is stellar in her role as ROSE in play ROSE @ Coho Theater.
I just saw it this evening and it is "must see theater." It will only be in town for one more week and tickets are going fast.

I am picky about books, film and theater with HOLOCAUST themes. This play is about a survivor. Some may say that her life isn't plausible....those people don't know true survivors.

Yes, there is sadness...but there is also humor and wit.

Don Horn is the Director of Triangle Productions and this play. He has wisely allowed Wendy to "channel" this character in her kishkes.....and she does it well.

Go see the play. You'll be glad you did. If you go on a Saturday or Sunday you can enjoy a "talk back" session with local survivors.

Location:CoHo Theatre
2257 NW Raleigh St.
Portland, Oregon 97210

http://www.tripro.org/20th-season/rose.html or call 503-239-5919

Glass Has A Language of its Own

2010-04-08T23:48:00.000-07:00

04/08/09

by Eddy Shuldman

Glass has a language

with subtleties sandwiched between

pounds of silica

heated, melted, then rolled

off the tongue

into poetry

hidden

within my lexicon of glass

What began as play

became a journey of metaphorical archeology.

Stuck to a shelf, exposed to the elements

The journey goes deeper

where Inclusions are cast,

bubbles form

pockets of air that failed to escape

are suspended, frozen in space

Hard, soft,

liquid, solid,

transparent, opaque…..

draping , fusing,

slumping, melting,

hot, warm,

cold.

There are meanings

layered on top of meanings,

a language of love ,

frustration, and hate.

heat spikes that puncture skin

and fractures,

that grow

like spider veins and

bleed to the surface

frit, powder,

a score,

breaking , shattering, exploding

and then

a search for some compatibility

a weaving together

coefficiency

New Tallit Clips

2010-04-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

Taking photos of dichroic glass is always a challenge.
This is one set of dichroic tallit clips- doves of peace. A gold chain is strung between them.
This set is sold but can be replicated in other glass by commission.
Lots of designs are available...prices vary according to the complexity
of the design and style of glass. sparksofspirit@gmail.com

Commissions

2010-03-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

Much gratitude to my customers who have kindly commissioned me to make fused glass judaica including seder plates, wedding bowls, and smaller items! It keeps me focused and creative.

Tomorrow I will post some new tallit clips. One set will head to colorado and another set will go to a Bat Mitzvah here in pdx.

Stay tuned.....tomorrow!

Three New Torah Adornments

2010-03-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

These are the three new Torah Breast Plates I made to complete the set.

I'll spend some time in later posts discussing each individual piece in the set.

I was happy to finish this project- the result of trying to study each book of the Torah and then narrowing down the theme of each to a simple phrase.

From top to bottom, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuternomy.

Our Night in the Elements!

2010-03-05T14:35:00.000-08:00

We had a great night at Elements gallery. Estimates run between 225 and 250 guests!

It was a great learning experience and the show continues through the 14th of March.....
19th and Vaughn. A great gallery and glass hot shop.

open daily 1-4.....

Come see my Torah Adornments!

I'll be there on the 11th and 12th. See you there?

See My Work Tomorrow!

2010-03-03T10:50:00.000-08:00

click on image to enlarge!

The Avian Spa

2010-02-28T22:35:00.000-08:00

Signed, glued and delivered....
My donation to chair affair is a piece of outdoor art. It's a bird bath... Just add water!

What more could a bird ask for than a shallow pond from which to drink and bathe?

Come to the Chair Affair...look at the amazing chairs, and unchairs and bid! One of the finest chairities you'll ever meet!

You'll be glad you did.

More info to come!

CHAIR AFFAIR 2010

2010-02-23T00:09:00.000-08:00

Last but not least, I get to put my plan into motion for the chair affair. The Chair Affair is a benefit for the Community Warehouse, one of the finest non profit organizations I have ever seen.

Jewish Arts Month has demanded a lot of my attention and I have sadly been unable to work on my project.

As of 10pm, my glass is in the kiln and hopefully about noon tomorrow I will know whether I will meet the deadline or not.

I posted a picture of the stool I planned to alter in some way.....
so stay tuned. I will post a picture of the transformed piece on Thursday.
Wish me luck!

Getting Ready

2010-02-20T22:04:00.000-08:00

Throughout JAM , our art group ORA will be displaying art. We have an exhibit at Elements Gallery and Studio opening First Thursday March 4th. Join us between 5:30 and 9pm for refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artists. The show will continue through Sunday March 14th. An ORA artist will be available at the gallery daily between 1-4pm.

We'll also be displaying our work in the MJCC lobby March 7th - 12th. I'm working on some new fused glass pieces for that show.....

But first I also need to get my project for Chair Affair completed. Busy times ahead!

Unstuck!....and done!

2010-02-17T22:10:00.000-08:00

Our jury event was last night. The jury was most generous with me and accepted my submissions.
Thank you !

I'm posting one of the Torah Adornments in process. I struggled with the flames and this renewed effort worked.
There are additional layers of flames on this that lift off the plate. Still not as dramatic as what I saw in my head...but certainly more practical.

Want to see the finished product? Come see all 5 Adornments and more at Elements glass on NW 19th and Vaughn on Thursday March 4th.

check out the JAM website calendar, schedule and blog....lots of great info about Jewish Arts Month!

STUCK

2010-02-09T23:39:00.000-08:00

Well, two of the three pieces came out of the kiln looking just like they were supposed to ...but the third...
well...it's pathetic. The color , the shape, the incongruity..AAAAARGH!

I have only myself to blame....I just didn't think it through enough. I have ordered some new dichroic glass which is being made for me and will be ready by Friday...Friday morning I hope! so I can get some work done before Shabbat.

In the meantime, I have more planning and redesign work ahead of me. I won't have time to remake it a third time.....and then there is the fifth and final piece. I started it today but it needs some of the new glass on order too.

I've cropped the picture so you won't see the total failure of it all. When all five pieces are finished I will see what I can do to salvage this piece ....

Phase 2: "before"

2010-02-08T20:58:00.000-08:00

Na-aseh V'snishmah is what the Israelites said to Moses when he told them God had an offer for them (the LAW). They didn't know what they were in for, but having seen a few miracles they knew they were looking at a good deal. They said N-aseh V'nishmah which literally means : We will do and then we will listen. We think that means that they would follow the laws, not knowing what they really meant but that through the doing, they would come to understand. Na-aseh v'nishmah is my journey as I work my way through this series of plates.

For this plate, I first cut the tablet shape and then split it down the middle. I wrapped these 2 pieces of expensive dichroic glass in newspaper, took several deep breaths and then....smacked them with a hammer...and then I had to hit them three more times because I didn't hit hard enough! It's in the kiln now with plates #3 and 4. Breath holding until tomorrow morning.

I will post the new ones soon. The finished set will hopefully be juried in for the ELEMENTS Gallery show that opens March 4th. ELEMENTS is located on NW 19th and Vaughn. More about that show later.

Phase 1: Torah Adornments

2010-02-02T13:04:00.000-08:00

I have various components cut for the JAM Elements Show beginning March 4th.

Phase 1 is fusing a silver irid on black onto clear blanks....should be done by about midnight tonight.

It's a boring picture but this is what is in the kiln right now.

Phase 2 involves layering the various elements I have pre cut.

These are only three of the five pieces as part of my set.

Piece 1 is done and piece five needs some drilling and interior cuts before
I can begin the layering process. It will receive separate treatment.

Stay tuned!

Very cool evening of music

2010-01-27T15:34:00.000-08:00

Last night I needed a break from all the JAM planning. I gave myself a great treat. I went to new place in SE Portland in the Sellwood neighborhood called The Woods. It's a new venue for music housed in a former mortuary.

There was nothing dead about that place last night! Tony Furtado plays a mean slide guitar and banjo. He has an ease on stage that makes him instantly likeable. He called numerous guest talents to the stage to lay/sing with him. One of my favorite local singers, Stephanie Schneiderman was present and added warmth and song to a supportive house.

Sunday night I joined a lot of Schneiderman fans at Jimmy Maks. It was crowded and the audience talked and talked and talked....grrrrrrr! She was amazing, but a chunk of the audience forgot to pay attention.

Last night, a smaller house (packed none-the-less) was quiet , attentive and appreciative. I felt like I was experiencing a live performance in my living room. The causal flow of banter from Tony and others, lots of talented guests and the warm melodies and harmonies put out by Stephanie set the tone and created an intimate environment for an amazing evening of music.....the way music ought to be!

My new music discovery lat night was Scott Law. He is an amazing guitar player who quickly won me over with his incredible ability to jam on songs that were new to him. He is a must see in Portland.

Tony will be at the Woods again on Tuesday the 2nd. I plan to be there. Join me?

How Will I know You Were Here?

2010-01-22T17:17:00.000-08:00

This is how to tell me you have an opinion of what you saw here:
At the bottom of any post you'll see the word comments. CLICK on that and you will be taken to a screen that allows you to comment. After that you type in the silly code they give you, hit return and voila....you are no longer a lurker...but a welcome guest!

Leave me a love note or a critique. I'm a big girl...I can take it! Bottom line, tell me you visited so I know someone out there is reading what I post!

Jewish Arts Month Calendar!

2010-01-20T21:39:00.000-08:00

It's just this easy....
click on this link http://www.northwestjewishartists.org/JAMcalendar2010.html
and you will find the JEWISH ARTS MONTH CALENDAR.

You can go to the Jewish Arts Month (JAM) blog to learn more about individual events.
jewishartsmonth.blogspot.com/

I'll be posting there routinely. If these links don't work, cut and paste them into your browser!

I'm back in the groove

2010-01-20T00:28:00.000-08:00

I am done sulking. The new saw parts and blade have been installed and my intricate hebrew letters are about 1/3 done! I have a timeline that will work if the back-ordered glass comes in within the next 10 days.
It felt so good to finalize my drawings and move forward. I love my saw and I love the shimmering dichro letters I was able to cut today.

I don't have any pictures to post of my work...yet. SO for now, a picture of my ring saw....sigh!

NEW PLAN

2010-01-14T23:17:00.000-08:00

Lots of frustration this week.

I have to give up on my plans to build a table for the Chair Affair because they changed their deadline for getting our work turned in. i understand their rationale but in the midst of JAM planning and trying to get my glass made in time for our art show...this is a set back. I will have to reassess what I can realistically get done for them. It's back to the drawing board.

Frustration #2.... the glass store is back ordered on black/silver irid glass I need....and it may not come in for two more weeks. YIKES!....but, I'm working on a solution. I'll be building 4 new pieces simultaneously so I will cut out all the glass pieces I need that doesn't involve the missing glass. When the black irid arrives, it should be a simple matter of cutting it and layering it with my precuts. With luck I will be able to fire at least three of the 4 pieces in a single firing.

Next week is pivotal. If I can get all the parts cut up for my art show pieces, I can shift my focus to the Chair Affair Project. I do have this bar stool I picked up last year from the warehouse.....I had planned to return it when my original plan failed in last year's project. I'm glad I kept it.....hmmmmm....what to do, what to do?

A Fresh Start

2010-01-13T20:51:00.000-08:00

I have finished my final sketch and tomorrow I will finally shop for saw parts and the glass I need.
Jewish Arts Month planning has been all consuming and now it is time to get serious about my own art.

I have sooo much glass in stock and of course, the piece I need is the one piece I don't have!
Friday I will buy my challah instead of baking...and will spend the time cutting glass instead.
My plans are ambitious and hopefully I'll be able to post pictures of my progress.

I need to make a tough decision about my Chair Affair Project. It looks like the table idea I had is just too big to make it work this year. I will hold the table top in reserve and perhaps use it next year. With 2 art shows looming in the near future, I need to use my time wisely.

Pre-JAM Slam!

2010-01-07T23:19:00.000-08:00

That's our name for the party.
Rumors are spreading that possible city dignitaries may attend.
Hmmmmm....wonder who they're talking about?

We'll be Jammin'

2010-01-06T00:21:00.000-08:00

February 24th (time tba)....it's a party and you are invited! Mittleman Jewish Community Center Ballroom in Portland Oregon. This is our Kickoff event for Jewish Arts month.

Lots of artists, actors, musicians...and some special guests. Food, drink, entertainment........More details to follow. Stay tuned!

The NEA is part of our funding!

2010-01-02T21:23:00.000-08:00

I was negligent in not posting that the NEA is a part of the generous grant awarded by the Oregon Arts Commission. Jewish Arts Month aka JAM will begin our fundraising campaign Monday. Hopefully the faith these two agencies have in us will be shared by art lovers in Portland. We're working hard to make this a fabulous festival...and one that will return year after year.

Wendy Westerwelle and Renata Dollinger

2009-12-31T17:12:00.000-08:00

Great news!
Triangle Productions will produce the one-woman play ROSE starring Wendy Westerwelle at the COHO theater here in Portland, April 1-25.
Jewish Arts Month (JAM) is proud to support this effort.
But wait, it gets better!
Renata Dollinger will display her work in the lobby of COHO and she will also
join ORA artists at the Elements Gallery March 3-?.
Renata is an amazing artist , now well into her 80s. She paints vibrant pictures of shtetl life.
She has retired to Bothell Washington but is willing to bring her newest oil paintings to Portland where her fan base is extensive.
Look out Portland! The art scene is going to meet a powerful group of Jewish artists!

JEWISH ARTS MONTH GETS FUNDED!!!!!

2009-12-28T23:03:00.000-08:00

It's official! JAM is coming to PDX.
Jewish Arts month is actually about 10 weeks long. Our web page will go up shortly.

This project is supported in part by a grant from the Oregon Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal Agency.

We need donations to help fund this project. If you can help, please send a donation to the Jewish Community Center 5561 SW Capitol Hwy Portland Oregon attn: Beth Germain and be sure to say it's for JAM!!!!! This is a tax deductible gift!

THREE....yes 3 theaters will perform Jewish-themed plays. The Chosen, KinderTransport, and ROSE.
(More info later!)

Elements Glass will host ORA Northwest Jewish artists for a two week show.

Musicians will perform concerts in a variety of genre.

poetry slam

Drash Magazine presents Oregon Jewish Writers

Joanne Greenberg (author of I NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSE GARDEN) will adult storytelling.

and the list goes on........and on! stay tuned......nothing like this has been attempted (that we know of)!!!

Mizrach: facing east

2009-12-18T10:57:00.000-08:00

In hebrew mizrach means east. It is a tradition in some households to mark the eastern wall of their house with some decorative element bearing this hebrew word. We face east when we pray, directing our energy toward Jerusalem.

I wanted to create a vessel. Something that could be wall mounted or dsiplayed on a tabletop. Something that incorporated the idea of a mizrach but would carry meditative prayers. I developed a prototype that I am pleased with. It's a little busy but I know how to proceed with the "real deal." In the mean time, I can use this Mizrach for my personal meditation practice....after all, practice is what this is all about!

This plate is asymmetrical and has two copper foil hands (chamsahs) fused between the layers of glass. The back is textured in a herringbone pattern which adds an unexpected warmth to the piece. I don't know if you can see it in the picture.

Gold ink was applied to the fingers. Each finger on one hand carries a hebrew meditation while the opposite hand carries the translations. The shiny hebrew letters spell the word mizrach in dichroic glass.

I had a wonderful meditative session with it yesterday; filling the dish with water and floating candles.
I focused on shiviti and was able to clear the junk out of my head. Shabbat is almost here and I look forward to meditating with a second verse.

CHAIR AFFAIR 2010

2009-12-03T23:13:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to participate again in the annual Chair Affair fund raiser for the Community Warehouse.

I picked up a large round piece of tempered glass....a table top at the warehouse a couple of weeks ago and this evening I went to IKEA to pick up some inexpensive legs.

Now comes the challenge..... designing an elegant table that will attract the attention of wealthy bidders willing to plunk down some big dollars for a most worthy cause.

The picture I have included is actually of a similar table top....being sold on the web for $200!
(no legs, no chairs, no design elements)

Stay tuned......!

At SAM....Seattle Art Museum

2009-11-15T19:10:00.000-08:00

A glorious morning was spent at SAM.

There were two highlights (ok...three!)

1. A large glass case with lots and lots of beautiful coldworked glass....AND, calling my name was.... a stunning piece by Toots Zynski. If you've never seen her work, I recommend you visit this youtube site. Slender glass stingers (finer than raw angel hair pasta!) fused together, then slumped. Fragile in appearance, the vessel is thicker than I would have guessed. Attractive from a distance...but up close, her work is absolutely, breathtakingly beautiful. ....sigh!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8Y1jfirlFA
2. Alexander Calder. I was especially touched to see his portrait on display, taken by none other than Arnold Newman. Arnold Newman, of blessed memory was an amazing photographer and this portrait spoke volumes about Calder. As the mobiles gently moved, they cast ever-changing shadows on the walls.

3. A room featuring BEADS!!!!! I don't want to get started on my usual rant about how the Arts World has seen fit to segregate "fine art" from "fine crafts". Fortunately SAM doesn't engage in that kind of thinking.

The bead exhibit was lovely and elevated the status of beads and bead making to its rightful place.

Sadly, it was time to go home so I didn't have time to visit the Michaelangelo exhibit.....but then, I have been to the Sistene Chapel. On display were a handful of drawings that somehow escaped going up in smoke. Apparently, he burned most of his drawings !

I will say that art is clearly in the eye of the beholder. There were pieces I wouldn't display in my garage and astonishing works that provoke humility and awe. What a gift to spend a few hours with such pieces!

Oh, the Calder piece below is small enough to rest on the palm of your hand! Thank you google images.

I hope it's not a copyrighted image...I just want y'all to know what I'm talking about!

Making the Jam!

2009-11-03T23:29:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned.......We'll be jammin' soon!

It looks like more meetings are in my future. JAM- jewish Arts Month, was recently described as "an ambitious project" by a member of the Oregon Arts Commission grants jury panel.

We have more ideas than a month can accommodate but we have numerous organizations involved and lots of good people pitching in to help.

Done!

2009-10-28T08:09:00.001-07:00

setting up for the show

2009-10-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

thanks Sabina for sending me this shot!

The set up

2009-10-27T23:24:00.000-07:00

Celebration of Art 2009 was a whirlwind of activity....set up to take down was precisely that.
I managed to snap off a picture of my booth before it was set up but of course was so busy doing other things (customer service, talking, more talking) that I never remembered to snap off some additional pix.
Hopefully someone else in the group did!

We had a great crowd of customers and it was so nice to see such a festive mood. Lots of hugging, laughter and talk! Some artists had better sales than others....the economy is an easy scapegoat. I felt good about my sales and even picked up a few commissions.

Some folks were new to fused glass so I had a lot of fun talking about the process.

And now, it's time to stop procrastinating....gotta put away everything and really finish the studio organization (again!)

Back By Popular Demand!

2009-10-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

I have had several requests to bring back my Lamed- with heart plate.
The lamed is a hebrew letter- its name forms the root word for learning.
As a teacher, I am an advocate for life-long learning.
The lamed is made from copper foil and is embedded between turquoise iridized glass and clear.
The heart is a fused piece of hot pink striker glass with a second dichro heart.
I am smitten with the shape of the plate. It's called origami and it folds in interesting and asymmetrical shapes. The person who buys it will get a handout with information about the mystical meaning behind the letter!
Come see me at the J this Sunday for Celebration of Art '09!...specific address and times listed just a couple of posts below.

Learning to draw

2009-10-21T21:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the folks in my critique group, Esther and I enrolled in a PCC class called:
SO you think you can't draw!
We meet for two hours weekly and although I can't claim any talent for drawing I can say with certainty that I am learning how to see and my drawings aren't mysterious marks on paper...they actually bear a resemblance to the objects I see before me. I am gaining confidence and am hopeful that I will eventually be able to apply my new skills to my glass work.

If you are interested in my instructor's contact info...here it is!
Jill Jeffers Goodell
Monthly Newsletter: http://jillgoodell.blogspot.com
Website: http://www.jillgoodell.com/
Blog: http://notes-from-glastonbury.blogspot.com/

NEW...RETRO and FUNKY

2009-10-20T22:41:00.000-07:00

Just playing around!

And The Sea Parted

2009-10-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

This is my latest seder plate. Beautiful glass from Bullseye. Very little embellishment because the glass says it all.

The dichroic letters say Pesach (Passover in hebrew.) The six side dishes can nestle in on the plate or stand separately.

Yahrzeit

2009-10-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

In German Yahrzeit/Yiddish translates to "year time" or "time of year." It is the time we light a candle and memorialize those in our immediate family who have died. During Yom Kippur and again on Shemini Atzeret we have Yizkor which means "to remember."

Remembering my Mom and Dad, I continue to work on my yahrzeit candle bridges. This newest style involves using a kemper pen and gold ink to write phrases from the yizkor service. I plan to have several on hand at the show next Sunday (MJCC, Oct 25 10:30-4:30)

Dad's yahrzeit is only a week away. I miss them both.

Celebration of Art 2009!

2009-10-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

October 25th at the Jewish Community Center 10:30-4:30!

lot's of amazing art.....some judaica, some not!

Come see the product of my labor with my new tools....

I promise to dress nicer that I appear in my picture!

JAM is coming to Portland!

2009-10-01T21:46:00.000-07:00

There's a reason I haven't been posting....I've been busy!

JAM stands for Jewish Arts Month. With the grant writing talents of Helen Gundlach of the MJCC, we have been crafting a proposal to recognize the Jewish Arts in Portland....visual, music, theater, film, writing....(still working on a dance component)

Yes there are Jews in OH-ree-gone...

and they will make an artistic plash this spring.

stay tuned!

One of my new toys.....

2009-08-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

ok, it's still in the box! I put together the simple stand to hold it, but the saw is too heavy to pull out of the box. It's an MK 370..... loud and strong!

Help arrives tomorrow.

I'll unpack toy #2 when I get a table for it (tomorrow, I HOPE!) and then I'll get to play (I mean work!) Lots of glass pattern bars waiting to be sliced, and lots of finished work in need of a final polishing.

The biggest challenge ahead of me is trying to figure out where to put both toys. They both require water- which translates to EVERYTHING IN A RADIUS OF SEVERAL FEET GETS VERY, VERY WET. I wear a very attractive rubber apron and goggles, a respirator and ear muffs with the saw.

Maybe the garage? hmmmmm....car or toys?

NEW TOYS!

2009-08-25T23:20:00.000-07:00

TODAY new toys arrived...piece by piece!

First came saw blades, followed by diamond embedded steel lap wheel disks, followed by a new wet tile saw and a table for the saw.

It was such a busy day that all the toys remain in their cartons, untouched.

What to unpack first??????

Pictures tomorrow....I promise!

Thank you Patty Gray for teaching such an inspiring workshop in Eugene in July.

I worked hard and learned soooo much. I screwed up the courage to invest in my passion for glass. These tools will allow me to create more professional pieces of work. I am psyched!

Dr. Thomas Bowery Takes It To A New Level

2009-08-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

Sarasota Florida is host to numerous retirement communities. My in-laws live in a beautiful spot called Glenridge. On a recent visit, my husband and I toured the Glenridge campus with a special stop at the apartment of Dr. Thomas Bowery. Dr. Bowery has created one of the most unique living environments I have ever seen.

This gentleman is passionate about glass and japanese gardens. His apartment contains THREE japanese gardens and the rest of his immaculate home is studded with glass fountains, wall mounted fused glass and show cases filled with cast and blown glass. Aside from a twin bed, there was no furniture...just art!

My photos don't do his space justice, but here is a small sample.

His home is filled with color and light and joy. Who could ask for anything more?

Making Progress!

2009-07-04T23:13:00.000-07:00

The studio is coming along, although the organizing of it has taken longer than I would have imagined.

I have moved shelving and racks back and forth and repositioned things like my frit and stringer collection. Taking off closet doors helped a lot. The desk was cleared once but is full, yet again....sigh!

I picked up some rubbermaid shoe boxes and this week I'll be packing and labeling various jewelry components. Sunday is kiln rehab day. After 2.5 hrs of Bar/bat Mitzvah tutoring, I will relax by vacuuming out the kilns and doing shelf maintenance.

A new commission as well as an order for a yahrzeit candle bridge purchased at the P'nei Or auction are awaiting my attention. But first, more studio work and then there's the Bullseye sale starting Tuesday. I will use restraint and only buy what I really, really need! Everything that comes into my studio must have a home! Those are my two new mantras.....only buy what I need and everything must have a home! If only saying this made it so!

New Fused Glass Judaica coming

2009-06-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

Sigh....my glass studio is a wreck. I have ignored order and it bit back!

NO PIX....IT'S TOO EMBARRASSING!

So, I am creating new homes (with labels) for everything.

Today I cleared off my desk, set up a new case for full sheets of glass and stored all my frit.

Tomorrow I rehab the closet and Friday I tackle my work table.

A week from now I will be ready to start rehabbing the kilns.

In mid July I will go to the Eugene School of Glass to take a 5-day intensive with Patty Gray.

I am excited to learn some new skills and develop some new design ideas.

Thanks for visiting and stay tuned. I'll try to post in mid July during my class.

Seder Plate for OJM

2009-04-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Jewish Museum in Portland will be hosting another fund raising auction in May. This is the new seder plate I made for that event. The glass is remarkable and a new experiment for me. The base is a new reactive glass made by bullseye glass. It is a clear iridized reactive glass. That means that when it comes in contact with copper, gold or silver it will cause an interesting reaction.

I used copper foil to make the letters and decorated the plate with turquoise frit and stringer. The reaction was neat....turned the glass a speckled red in places and cast a reddish shadow in others. Unfortunately the photo doesn't show the reaction as well as I'd like.

The back of the plate is textured offering the plate a depth color (even though the plate is transparent). Six condiment dishes come with the plate. It's called Reactivity and Wandering. We were a reactive people as we wandered the desert trying to learn how to be Jews. There were spiritual and physical highs and lows. This plate brings a reminder to the seder table of our struggles and our successes.

Please come out and support OJM Sunday May 3rd.

Check them out at http://www.ojm.org/