Glass Servers

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

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 ~ !

check out our blog:


http://northwestjewishartists.blogspot.com/

NEW SHOW OPENS 9/9/11

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!

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!!!!!

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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!

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.