After 20 years of doing commercial graphic design work I felt a strong desire to express the creative side of me that couldn’t be shared through previous work directed by clients. Inside my mind’s eye just before sleep each night I saw images that I felt compelled to put down on paper. The dark paintings of old men wrapped in tallit didn’t speak to my Jewish spirituality, and I wanted to create something fresh and contemporary. Perhaps others would also find meaning in the symbols I used and the images I created and would continue to give them joy. I begin painting with a simple sketch and then allow the color to flow freely in bright, saturated, mesmerizing hues, and a delectable feast for the eyes. The relationships of the color and the way they vibrate in my mind are very satisfying and express my enthusiasm, passion and idealism. I enjoy the spring of the canvas when a loaded brush slides over it; when colors mix on the canvas and the brush strokes are visible to show the path I’ve taken. My work is an exploration for greater meaning in life and seeking a divine spirituality in the universe. I enjoy seeing the painting evolve and the act of creation; creating something new that didn’t exist before quite in this way. It is fulfilling to create these optimistic, pleasurable images, especially in light of recent world events and my own survival of heart disease. Exploring and celebrating my heritage gave me a way to make some sense of what is happening in the world and to be hopeful about the world for the future of my daughters. My goal is to create delight and whimsy in a world that can often be dark. I paint to promote peace and tolerance and to affirm the life and spirit within all people.
