Parachet (Curtain) Sketches Proposal

I had the opportunity to submit a proposal to create a Parachet for a synagogue in MA. A Parachet is the curtain used in the Ark where the torahs (scrolls) are kept in the synagogue. 

Here are two of the many sketches I submitted. The proposal was for mixed media on fabric, with a 6' 7.5” wide x 10' tall finished size. 

I spent a lot of time sketching, researching the requirements of the synagogue's call for art, and talking to the design committee, and a seamstress who I would have hired to do the actual sewing after I painted the fabric.

I'm proud that I made it to the final two artists for consideration. Unfortunately (for me), they chose an artist who makes beautiful more traditional Judaic work. My submissions were very abstract.

Even though I did not get this commission, I learned a lot, and I would happily submit elsewhere if given the opportunity to do so in the future.

New Work: The Fence As Lace #14

I was commissioned to create The Fence As Lace #14 (above), a wider variation of The Fence As Lace #6 (below).

The collector who commissioned The Fence As Lace #14 really liked The Fence As Lace #6, but needed their piece to be wider so it would work well on the wall behind a beautiful wooden art desk, in a room full of other art.

The Fence As Lace #14 is mixed media on stiffened fabric that measures 62" x 95".

The Fence As Lace #6 
is also mixed media on stiffened fabric. It measures 72" x 73". I made it in 2011 while at a residency at the Vermont Studio Center, and it has been exhibited at a few venues.

It's hard to tell from the photos, but the body of both pieces is 48" high. 

I'll be shipping the commissioned piece to the collector so it arrives the week of September 9th. The timing is important because it's going to be photographed shortly there after, along with the other art in the home, for a magazine spread. That's be quite an honor. When the article is published, I’ll post pictures of it.