Fri 17 Feb 2012
Posted by Heather under prayer
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Last night, I attended a wonderful Jewish Art Salon Program at the Sixth Street Community Synagogue. Poet Jake Marmer read his Talmud-inspired poems, while Greg “Jazz Rabbi” Wall on saxophone, Uri Sharlin on keys, Rob Henke on trumpet, and Jon Madof on guitar musicians interpreted the spoken material.
With the poetry and music as inspiration, attendees were asked to create visual art. It was an absolutely incredible experience! I never take the time to sit and sketch and to have permission to simply play was really magical. At the end of the performance, it took a while before anyone moved. It was as if we were in a trance, focused on our sketches/paintings and unable to return to the world too quickly.
I hope the Jewish Art Salon and the Sixth Street Community Synagogue continue these innovative and inspiring programs!
Wed 15 Feb 2012
I taught a wonderful group of women at Drisha this evening. Each participant made a piece based on this past week’s Torah portion and/or Berachot 6b which the Arts Fellows have been studying this year.
Hard at work:
Explaining their art to the group:
Sun 12 Feb 2012
Posted by Heather under creating art
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I finally finished this small zipper piece called “It’s Not Always Black and White”. It’s a fun little piece mounted on 12″x12″ canvas with red yarn spilling out of the top.
Sun 5 Feb 2012
This morning, I had the opportunity to teach at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester where my husband is the Associate Rabbi. It was absolutely incredible to work with all ages in just a short amount of time. I started the day with the third grade and their parents where we looked at the art on the outside of “Temporary Shelter.” The students (see right) identified pieces that spoke to them and talked about what the homeless kids who created them may have been thinking.
This was followed by two sessions with adults where we explored the texts which inspired the piece. The thoughtful group asked good questions and raised important issues about our relationship with homeless individuals in our community. It was even more special because two of my teachers from Junior High School took the time to come to the program!
And finally, we finished the day with the K-4th graders. This wonderful group of students spoke about what it means to be homeless, how it might feel, and what they can do to help. I was impressed by the reflective and sympathetic comments of these young people.
I hope that, as Temple Beth El hosts the guests of the Emergency Shelter Partnership in upcoming weeks, all present will remember today’s lesson and try to learn a little about their guests as individuals.
Sun 5 Feb 2012
Posted by Heather under prayer
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I’m excited to report that “Temporary Shelter” was featured in the current issue of Lilith Magazine!
Fri 3 Feb 2012
Today, Temporary Shelter goes to Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester in Chappaqua, NY where it will be on display through Feb 16.
At 9:45 am on Sunday, February 5, I will be speaking about the texts that inspired the piece and I’ll be available following tonight’s 7:15 service to answer questions.
I hope you can join us!
Wed 1 Feb 2012
Posted by Heather under creating art
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Today, I finished the piece shown above Escape the Darkness. It’s a fun little piece mounted on canvas. The free motion quilting is covered with plastic fencing and colored wires poke through as they try to escape to freedom.
Wed 25 Jan 2012
Posted by Heather under Judaica
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The challah covers took longer than I thought they would, but some of them are finally done!
Sun 22 Jan 2012
Learn how to Translate Text into Textile with my online class! In five online lessons, you’ll transform your favorite text (a book, poem, quote, or song) into an art quilt. The first lesson will be posted tomorrow so sign up now at http://sewingstories.com/workshopsnow.htm.
Sun 15 Jan 2012
Posted by Heather under creating art
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I’ve spent my last couple studio days playing a little bit. I now have two small pieces in progress. “Escape the Darkness,” shown in progress on the right and below, started with free motion quilting with varigated thread. I then added five colored wires that meet near the bottom right of the piece and explode out from there. Next, black fencing was placed over the whole piece. When the fencing is sewn down, the wires will poke through in different places, trying to escape.
The second piece, shown below is called “It’s Not Always Black and White.” The black and white fabrics are sewn together with a zipper that is partially pulled back to reveal a mess of red yarn. I haven’t decided how to finish this one yet, but check back and I’ll post it when it comes to me.
