Located in the Koret Learning Center hall, the Art Gallery at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center is committed to showcasing the works of talented Jewish artists as well as presenting exhibits that explore Jewish values, themes and ideas. Our exhibits are designed to stimulate personal thought and lively conversations among our members and guests. Exhibits are free and open to the public!
July 9 – September 29, 2024
Every Blade of Grass/Kindness Uncontained
Meet Catherine at our Art Reception on Thursday, July 18 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm in the PJCC Gallery
Artist Statement by Catherine Stern:
From the time I was very young, I’ve been fascinated by textiles. I love the feeling of raw fiber flowing through my fingers when I spin, I love immersing fiber and fabrics in dye, and I especially love working with silk which absorbs color in jewel tones. The silk organza in this body of work has an open weave, it’s transparent and perfect for building layers of colors that play with light, not unlike glass. For me, the delicacy and strength of silk is a natural format for conveying compassion and beauty. I look for ways to let images shine out of the silk.
This series of works in silk organza addresses the topics of chesed (Loving Kindness) and Nature, both of which are enduring and timely subjects.
The word chesed, took me in two directions, one to the Sefirot, in the Kabbalah, the core of Jewish Mysticism, and the other to the Hebrew Alphabet, in which each letter contains a world of meanings.
Chesed, is closely associated with Gimel, the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Kindness is illustrated in the forward direction of the foot of Gimel, which looks like a person actively extending oneself to give to another. Gimel differs from tzedakah, it’s a more active and personal form of giving.
In the system of the Sefirot, chesed is opposite gevurah (boundaries, containment), with Tiferet (beauty) between them. Throughout these works, I’ve chosen flowers to represent chesed. The renderings of Roman vases (things that might be found in an archeological dig) represent boundaries and containment. The vases, when tipped, allude to Kindness Un-Contained. Birds also appear symbolizing migration.
The PJCC is immensely grateful to our visionary donors.
The PJCC is proud to be a part of the Koret Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood.
We are honored to present this program through the Taube Center for Jewish Peoplehood at the PJCC.
Programs at the PJCC are made possible in part through generous support from our donors. To learn more or make a contribution, visit pjcc.org/donate.
