THESE WORDS MATTER! Three Commissioned Gifts

Emet: Truth

Chesed: Loving-kindness

Tzedek: Righteousness/Justice

It was an honor to make these mixed media gifts for outgoing board members of a local charitable organization.

Each gift features a special word that suited the recipient. These words are middot~intentions. In many ways they defy simple definitions. The are words that inspire us to be better people. They are aspirational and imply action. In this situation, each word is so representative of the mensches (fine people) who worked to benefit their community in  significant ways. Each word is related to the other words. 

All middot are really connected.

There can be no justice without truth and loving-kindness. Truth stems from a belief in justice and loving-kindness....and of course, truth and justice support loving-kindness.

The base glass is called Aventurine Green. It resembles a specific type of quartz stone ; a sparkling dark green. In some spiritual practices the stone is used as a meditation aid. This quartz is said to represent moving forward with confidence, especially through challenging circumstances.  The green is clear capped giving each piece a sense of depth.

Each piece of fused glass is elevation-mounted on hand polished aluminum sheeting. French cleat style mounting brackets make it possible to hang these on a wall.

Embedded in the glass is copper mesh. When copper is heated it changes color, in this case, red.  The mesh creates small bubbles that are inevitably trapped between the layers of glass. The letters are cut from dichroic glass and tack fused to the clear cap. Dichroic beads dance on the surface while a strip of rainbow dichroic glass underscores each word.

Yes, there is intended symbolism here! But I don't like forcing people to accept my word for it...I prefer that those who choose to take the time to be with the glass, interpret the meaning behind each "adornment."  

What do you think they mean?