WOMEN OF THE BOOK
Women of the Book is a project 8 years in the making. It is a visual scroll based on the interpretation of the traditional Torah content created on 54 parchment panels (the number of Torah portions) by 54 Jewish women artists from around the world.
first Us exhibition of wob opens in seattle
wob participates in 2015 JERUSALEM BIENNALE
There were exciting related events, presentations and lectures during the 2015 Jerusalem Biennale and very rewarding media coverage that emphasized the uniqueness of this groundbreaking female interpretation of the scriptures.
DEVELOPMENT OF MY ILLUSTRATION FOR THE 'KI TAVO' PORTION OF THE TORAH SCROLL:
DEVELOPMENT OF MY ILLUSTRATION FOR THE 'KI TAVO' PORTION OF THE TORAH SCROLL:
lilianne milgrom : Artist statement
What struck me about the parsha Ki Tavo was the fundamental necessity for balance in our lives and in our interconnected universe. The parsha talks about the ritual of bikurim, receiving of the first fruits, the bounty of the Lord, and the reciprocal commandment to give back from the first fruit. It was this idea of giving and receiving (which is also a yoga ‘mudra’ in which one hand is open for receiving and the other held up in preparation for giving) which spoke to me deeply. In order to live in harmony with our fellow man (and woman) and with our God, there needs to be an inherent balance. The parsha also dwells on warnings and curses while reminding the Jewish people of their blessings — yet another type of duality.
The hands in the illustration are my hands and the fruit is a pomegranate (my family name Milgrom means pomegranate in Polish). I wanted the image to convey an ambiguity as to whether the hands were in the act of receiving and accepting or in the act of giving. The background was designed to give a sense of the Dawn of Time and the wonder of nature which can produce a marvel such as the pomegranate.
In an attempt to find a medium which would not buckle the klaf (parchment) I chose to use colored pencil, and I must admit I despaired of my choice half way through. It is a terribly exacting and time consuming medium. However, the natural texture of the klaf ended up being very suitable for illustrating skin itself. I used fixative and other protective sprays which has given the klaf a slightly textural feel.
In my research on Ki Tavo, I was particularly moved by the interpretation found here.
The hands in the illustration are my hands and the fruit is a pomegranate (my family name Milgrom means pomegranate in Polish). I wanted the image to convey an ambiguity as to whether the hands were in the act of receiving and accepting or in the act of giving. The background was designed to give a sense of the Dawn of Time and the wonder of nature which can produce a marvel such as the pomegranate.
In an attempt to find a medium which would not buckle the klaf (parchment) I chose to use colored pencil, and I must admit I despaired of my choice half way through. It is a terribly exacting and time consuming medium. However, the natural texture of the klaf ended up being very suitable for illustrating skin itself. I used fixative and other protective sprays which has given the klaf a slightly textural feel.
In my research on Ki Tavo, I was particularly moved by the interpretation found here.
SPECIAL NOTE
There is no greater reward for an artist than to know that one's work has touched someone in a meaningful way. I received an unsolicited email from a total stranger regarding my Ki Tavo illustration (above):
Hi Lilianne,
I want to express my appreciation for your work in Women of the Book. It really does convey the sense of a deeply willing offering. What excellent work! Would you mind if I used it as a screensaver picture reminding myself to be in that place of acceptance and offering?
Lawrence
There is no greater reward for an artist than to know that one's work has touched someone in a meaningful way. I received an unsolicited email from a total stranger regarding my Ki Tavo illustration (above):
Hi Lilianne,
I want to express my appreciation for your work in Women of the Book. It really does convey the sense of a deeply willing offering. What excellent work! Would you mind if I used it as a screensaver picture reminding myself to be in that place of acceptance and offering?
Lawrence