Through the Eye of the Artist- Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

Welcome to our new series: Through the Eye of the Artist, where every week we take a deep dive into a single art piece, project, or creation, unraveling the stories and inspirations behind them. This week, we're exploring my work 'Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem' Join me on this intimate journey and see the world through the lens of an artist's vision.

Embarking on a journey through glass and light, I found myself delving deep into the heart of Jerusalem's spirit, guided by the ancient words: "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem" (Psalms 122:6). This sculpture, a labor of love and reflection, emerged from my hands as a testament to the enduring hope for peace—a peace that, if realized in Jerusalem, could echo across the globe, uniting us all.

In my studio, surrounded by fragments of glass and the whispers of history in my mind, the vision for this sculpture began to crystallize. This is a work in the heart of Jerusalem, not just an artistic endeavor but for me, a pilgrimage of the soul, seeking to weave together the threads of the world's three monotheistic faiths into a tapestry of harmony. Each piece of glass, each curve of the installation’s doves, became carriers of a message- Peace will ultimately prevail. I am a great believer in the human spirit.

The process of transforming sand into glass mirrors our own transformation in life through our trials and tribulations. Over two years, this sculpture took shape, challenging my skills and pushing the boundaries of glass art. Working with engraving techniques- sand engraving, flame work, and acid, I etched and molded the essence of Jerusalem into being, blending the tangible city with its spiritual archetype. The chandelier is a symphony of spiraling doves, each dove a bearer of hope, ascending and descending in a dance of light and shadow.

Suspended in the air, the installation became a beacon of peace, its doves spiraling towards the globe nestled in the reflective pool below. This element of the sculpture spoke to me of the delicate balance between ascension and descent, the eternal cycle of rising hopes and grounding realities. In its colors and forms, I sought to capture the fleeting moments of tranquility that grace us, even in turmoil.

Creating this sculpture became a journey not of solitude, but one rich with the harmonies of international collaboration. In my Israeli studio, surrounded by artisans from Russia, Ukraine, and the UK to the masterful glass blower in the Czech Republic, every touch infused the project with a unique voice. Together, we created a symbol of peace, each of us adding a crucial piece to a collective effort for unity.

As I brought this sculpture to life, I uncovered a deeper understanding: true peace starts within the quiet corners of our souls. This piece, with its reflective pool and globe, its interplay of glass and beams of light, stands as a mirror. The spiraling ascent and descent of doves allow us to see a part of ourselves, suggesting that nurturing inner peace is the first step in weaving a tapestry of harmony that can ultimately connect people.