In many critique groups, the artist puts herself "out there", grits her teeth and braces herself to hear what is wrong with her art work. That is a generalization and possibly an unfair one.
Our group is different. When we meet, we bring a piece to the session. We follow a format where the artist shares the piece. It could be a sketch, a rough idea, a work in progress, or even a finished piece.
The artist talks about the piece and frames a question for the group to discuss. The group takes a few minutes to ask clarifying questions ...and then they begin discussing answers to the artist's question. The artist listens and takes notes. What is great about this process is that it allows a good bit of dignity for the artist and it provides some answers! Yay! The artist then tells the group what she heard ....and sometimes even tells us what she thinks she'll actually do. Sometimes it evolves back in her studio. Bottom line....it works!
We met several times to prepare for our upcoming show. We had four hebrew words we studied in an effort to honor the synagogues anniversary and respond to something tangible. The original synagogues that eventually merged were Neveh Tzedek (Oasis of Justice) and Ahavai Shalom (The Love of Peace). They became Neveh Shalom (Oasis of Peace.) We brought ideas and/or works in progress and using our process we supported each other along the way.
Yesterday I spoke about Esther Liberman. Tonight more gratitude goes to Laura Fendel, Diane Fredgant and Wendelin Russell. Their loving support, advice, and close listening means the world to me. I hope I was able to offer some small measure of help to each of them.
Laura Fendel works magic with fabrics. In the piece she developed for this show, she blends architectural imagery from founding congregations Ahavai Shalom and Neveh Tzedek as well as the current Neveh Shalom. Remarkable in its juxtaposed architecture, it evokes a sense of past and present. There is also a holiness and the spiritual that is communicated through the textures of this piece. You have to see this in person to appreciate this work!
Silk artist Diane Fredgant has been conceptualizing her installation piece for sometime and its evolution has been a significant element in her spiritual journey as an artist. Best known for her tallitot, this installation is a contemporary interpretation of the Mishkan (our portable sanctuary in the desert.) You will step into a holy space and a unique experience. You will find spiritual refuge, contact with holy words, and the beginnings of many questions!
Wendelin Russell is a painter. Her large-format painting (and a small piece) are wonderful interpretations of being at the Kotel, also known as the wailing wall. You won’t see tears in this exploration of this timeless structure. There is expansiveness and yet, there are tiny details that demand you give yourself to the painting, and in return you will experience something quite moving.
